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The Hecatoncheires (meaning "hundred-handed ones") are giants in Greek mythology that have 100 arms and 50 heads who were also the children of the Protogenoi Gaia and Ouranós. They represented the natural forces of earthquakes, tornados and huge tidal waves.

Myths & Legends[]

The three Hecatoncheires were named Briareus or Aegaeon (the vigorous or the sea goat), Cottus (the striker or the furious) and Gyges (the big-limbed).

After being born, Ouranós realized they were too powerful, and so he threw them back into Gaea's womb along with the Cyclopses, which infuriated her. As such, Gaia began plotting to overthrow her husband, and assisted her son Cronus in coming into power- though Cronus would prove to be much like his father. After using the help of the Hecatoncheires and the Cyclopes in overthrowing Ouranós, Cronus imprisoned them within Tartarus. In some versions, Ouranós imprisons the Hecatoncheires and Cyclopses within Tartarus first instead of within Gaia initially.

When Zeus attempted to usurp Cronus, Gaia taught Zeus how to free the Hecatoncheires and the Cyclops, who then helped Zeus during the Titanomachy. Briareus and his brothers were freed by Zeus, Poseidon and Hades, for whom they made lightning bolts, a trident, and a helm of invisibility. After the war, Zeus imprisoned the Titans within Tartarus, with the Hecatoncheires now serving as the guards.

In some traditions, Briareus went on to marry Poseidon's daughter, Cympoleia.

Modern Depictions[]

Games[]

  • The Hecatoncheir is a persona/demon in Shin Megami no Tensei series
  • They are monsters that can be fought in Dungeons & Dragons
  • God of War: Ascension

Sources[]

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