These two sons of Poseidon and Iphimedeia, Ephialtes and Otus (known jointly as the Aloadae) were big lads. Even at the age of nine they were nine fathoms tall and nine cubits wide. So yes — they were Titans.

They planned to steal away Hera and Artemis, and to get a bit of kidnapping practice they abducted Ares and kept him in a bronze pot for thirteen months. If they could do that they could do anything. Hermes eventually rescued him, but we don’t suppose he was in any hurry.

Then Apollo stormed in and used them for a bit of archery practice. They both tried to retaliate by hurling their javelins at the first thing they saw, which happened to be a doe running between them. The doe smartly sidestepped and they hit each other. These hits were fatal. Their strategy has all the hallmarks of an Artemis counter-plot.

They had to go to hell of course, where they were tied to a column with serpents and humiliated by owls hooting at them.

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Article last revised on September 06, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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