# Antaeus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Antaeus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Mythological giant who drew strength from the earth, defeated by Hercules.

## In the story

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii)

Used in the fable to illustrate that a defender gains strength from his own territory, but is vulnerable when drawn away.

## Links

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