Hecatoncheires

Greek mythology

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June 29, 2026

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The Hecatoncheires, meaning "hundred-handed," were monstrous giants in Greek mythology. They were the sons of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth).1

The three Hecatoncheires were Briareus, Kottos, and Gyges. Briareus, also known as Aegaeon, was particularly notable. In some accounts, he and his brothers aided Zeus against the Titans. Other traditions depict Briareus as an opponent of Zeus and a giant of the sea. The Hecatoncheires may have symbolized powerful natural forces like earthquakes or sea waves.1

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Briareus
…one of three 100-armed, 50-headed Hecatoncheires (from the Greek words for “hundred” and “hands”), the sons of the deities Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth). Homer (Iliad, Book I, line 396) says the gods called him Briareus; mortals called him Aegaeon (lines 403–404). In Homer and Hesiod, Briareus and his brothers…
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…one of three 100-armed, 50-headed Hecatoncheires (from the Greek words for “hundred” and “hands”), the sons of the deities Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea (Earth). Homer (Iliad, Book I, line 396) says the gods called him Briareus; mortals called him Aegaeon (lines 403–404). In Homer and Hesiod, Briareus and his brothers…
Read More