# Antaeus — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Antaeus in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Hercules

**First appearance:** 0056-hercules

## Who they are

Giant wrestler of Libya, invincible while touching the earth, killed by Hercules.

## In the story

### [Stories of Gods and Heroes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/stories-of-gods-and-heroes)

Hercules performs the Twelve Labors, demonstrating immense strength and endurance.

### [Monsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-monsters)

Mentioned in the context of the Pygmies, who attack him while he sleeps; he wraps them in his lion's skin and carries them to Eurystheus.

### [Giants, Sphinx, Pegasus and Chimaera, Centaurs, Griffin, and Pygmies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/giants-sphinx-pegasus-and-chimaera-centaurs-griffin-and-pygmies)

Mentioned as a human-like giant who mingled with mortals.

### [The Pygmies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-pygmies)

Hercules is attacked by the Pygmies while asleep; he awakens, laughs, wraps some in his lion's skin, and carries them to Eurystheus.

### [The Golden Fleece—Medea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvii-the-golden-fleece-medea)

Among the band of heroes who joined Jason's expedition.

### [The Golden Fleece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-golden-fleece)

One of the Argonauts who leaves the expedition at Mysia in search of Hylas.

### [XIX: Hercules—Hebe and Ganymede](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xix-hercules-hebe-and-ganymede)

Central figure of the chapter; performs the Twelve Labors, descends to Hades, and is ultimately deified.

### [XIX: Hercules—Hebe and Ganymede](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xix-hercules-hebe-and-ganymede)

Giant wrestler, son of Terra; defeated by Hercules when lifted from the earth.

### [Hercules](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/hercules)

Central figure; son of Jupiter and Alcmena; performs the Twelve Labors; slays Antaeus and Cacus; descends to Hades; dies by poison and is deified.

### [Theseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/theseus)

Mentioned as a model for Theseus; later liberates Theseus from the underworld.

### [XXIII: Achelous and Hercules—Admetus and Alcestis—Antigone—Penelope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiii-achelous-and-hercules-admetus-and-alcestis-antigone-penelope)

Conquers the river-god Achelous in a wrestling match for Dejanira, later rescues Alcestis from Death.

### [Admetus and Alcestis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/admetus-and-alcestis)

Rescues Alcestis from Death by force at the palace of Admetus.

### [Antigone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/antigone)

Daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, she displays filial and sisterly fidelity by sharing her father's wanderings and later defying Creon's edict to bury her brother Polynices.

### [Orpheus and Eurydice—Aristaeus—Amphion—Linus—Thamyris—Marsyas—Melampus—Musaeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiv-orpheus-and-eurydice-aristaeus-amphion-linus-thamyris-marsyas-melampus-musaeus)

Pupil of Linus whom he kills with a lyre after a harsh reprimand.

### [Linus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/linus)

Pupil of Linus who kills him in anger.

### [Origin of Mythology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/origin-of-mythology)

Cited in the Scriptural theory as a parallel to Samson.

### [The Mythical History of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-mythical-history-of-england)

Slays the giant Albion during his western march.

### [A](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a)

Mentioned as the killer of Antaeus and as the cleanser of the Augean stables.

### [H](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/h)

Athletic hero, son of Jupiter and Alcmena, known for twelve labors and slaying the Hydra.

### [N](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/n)

Killed the Nemean lion and the centaur Nessus; his jealous wife sent him a poisoned robe.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/antaeus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters