Georg Autenrieth, A Homeric Dictionary

Κῆρ , Κηρός (κείρω): the angel of death, any form of death personified, hence κῆρες θανάτοιο, fates of death, μυρίαι, Il. 12.326, ξ 207, Il. 2.302. Immediately upon the birth, the Moira or Aisa was determined for the life, and the κῆρ for the death (cf. Il. 9.411, where the choice of a twofold destiny is offered to Achilles; the passage also shows that the Κῆρ impels to destruction, cf. κηρεσσιφόρητος). When the time of death for the special favorites of Zeus approaches, he weighs the fortunes of combatants, e. g. Patroclus and Sarpēdon, Achilles and Hector. (See cut, representing Hermes discharging this function.) Freq. joined w. θάνατος, Od. 2.283; φο<*>νος, δ 273, Od. 2.165; hence w. adj. μέλαινα, Il. 21.66; like θάνατος, Il. 16.687; often = death, Il. 11.360, 362, Ε 652, Il. 9.411; symbol of hate, Il. 1.228.