The Hecatoncheires are monsters hailing from Greek mythology consisting of three separate beings: Briareus, Cottus, and Gyges. The name “hecatoncheires” roughly translates to “the hundred handed ones”. They are the sons of the titans Gaia and Uranus, and are said to also be related to the cyclops. Briareus is titled as “The Vigorous” or “The Sea Goat”, Cottus is said to be “The Striker” or “The Furious”, and Gyges is simply called “The Big-Limbed”.
The Hecatoncheires are referred to as such due to their physique. Hundreds of hands sprout from the torsos of the creatures, each with innumerable strength. In addition, each has fifty heads. The Hecatoncheires are said to be represented by the forceful waves of the ocean or harsh earthquakes. The Theogony, written by Greek poet Hesoid, depicts them as important allies in the war between the gods and the titans.
These beings began as prisoners within the confines of the Earth, where Gaia ruled. According to the myth, their appearance caused hate and fear to emerge within Uranus, thus sparking his decision to ensnare them. Gaia, angered by Uranus’s actions towards her children, asked her other child Cronus to get vengeance on Uranus. Cronus chopped off Uranus’s genitals and established himself as the new ruler of all the cosmos.
Unfortunately, the Hecatoncheires were not freed after Cronus’s victory. They, along with the cyclopes, remained within the earth until they were needed for the war between the titans and the gods, referred to as the Titanomachy. Gaia informed Zeus that they would be crucial to his victory against Cronus. Zeus obeyed Gaia and released them. In gratitude, the Hecatoncheires agreed to fight alongside him. The monsters proved more than useful against the titans, hurling massive rocks at them with their impeccable strength.
After assisting with the war, it is not specified what actually happened to these beings. According to Hesoid, they traveled deep into the ocean. However, poet Apollodorus states that they serve as guards in Tartarus, making sure the titans do not escape.
Despite them appearing in many works of Greek literature, such as those of Homer, Virgil, Ovid, and Apollodorus, not many have heard of these incredible creatures. Nevertheless, these massive beings are an amalgamation of terror and their strength is unmatched.
Sources:
Comentários