Hundredhanded

Hundred-handed, or Hecatoncheires, refers to three giant brothers in Greek mythology: Briareus (also known as Aegaeon), Cottus, and Gyges (Gyes). Each of them is described as having a hundred hands and fifty heads. They are among the earliest beings in Hesiod’s cosmogony, offspring of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Their immense form and power symbolize primordial strength in the Greek mythic tradition.

Origins and imprisonment

The Hecatoncheires were created by Gaia and Uranus but were imprisoned in Tartarus by Uranus to prevent rebellion. They remained there until the coming of Zeus, who would eventually challenge the Titans.

Role in the Titanomachy

During the Titanomachy, Zeus freed the Hecatoncheires along with the Cyclopes. The Cyclopes forged Zeus’s thunderbolts, while the hundred-handed giants fought for the Olympians, using their vast strength to hurl mountains and to bind the Titans. Their help was decisive in the Olympian victory. After the war, Zeus is said to have appointed the Hecatoncheires as wardens to guard the Titans in Tartarus.

Later tradition

Some sources state that they remained in Tartarus to guard the imprisoned Titans, while others give them a less prominent role in postwar myth. They are primarily attested in Hesiod’s Theogony and are referenced by later mythographers.

Names and etymology

The name Hecatoncheires derives from Greek hekaton ("hundred") and cheir ("hand"). The individual names Briareus (Briareos) or Aegaeon, Cottus, and Gyges (Gyes) appear in early sources and variants of the myth.