This article is about the god of Greek mythology. For the musical band, see
Antaeus (band). For LA-based electronica DJ/artist/producer, see
Antaeus (electronica). For the publication, see
Antaeus (magazine). Antaeus in
Greek and
Berber mythology was a giant of
Libya, the son of
Poseidon and
Gaia, and his wife was
Tinjis. He was extremely strong as long as he remained in contact with the ground (his mother earth), but once lifted into the air he became as weak as water. He would challenge all passers-by to wrestling matches, kill them, and collect their skulls, so that he might one day build out of them a temple to his father
Poseidon.
Heracles, finding that he could not beat Antaeus by throwing him to the ground, as he would regain his strength and be fortified, discovered the secret of his power (touching the ground) and held Antaeus aloft and crushed him in a
bearhug (Apollodorus ii. 5; Hyginus, Fab. 31). The myth of Antaeus has been used as a symbol of the spiritual strength which accrues when one rests one's faith on the immediate fact of things. The struggle between Antaeus and Heracles is a favorite subject in ancient sculpture.
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[Greek] Antaeus was the son of Gaia and Poseidon. He was a frightful giant who compelled all strangers to wrestle with him and defeated or killed them all. He was invincible for as long as he remained in contact with his mother (the Earth) for she supplied him with strength. Heracles discovered his secret and lifted Antaeus from the ground and strangled him. The battle with Heracles is depicted on many Greek vases and even on coins.
Antaeus (Greek) Giant son of Poseidon and Gaia, who grew stronger every time he touched his mother, the earth. Killed by Hercules, while holding him off the ground. His tomb was shown near Tingis in Mauretania {SD 2:278}.
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