Misplaced Pages

Anicetus (Ancient Greek: Ἀνίκητος, romanized: Aníkētos, meaning "Unconquerable") and Alexiares (Ancient Greek: Ἀλεξιάρης, romanized: Alexiárēs, meaning "Warding-Off-War") are minor deities in Greek mythology. They are the immortal sons of Heracles, the greatest of the Greek heroes, and Hebe, the goddess of youth. They were likely responsible for the protection and fortification of towns and citadels and may have been regarded as gatekeepers of Olympus, a role often associated with their father, Heracles. Their birth occurred after Heracles' mortal death and subsequent ascent to Olympus. Some sources suggest that during their birth, Hebe was assisted by her sister, Eiliethyia, the goddess of childbirth.

Their names translate from Greek as "Unconquerable" and "Warding-Off-War," signifying their roles and invincible nature.

There is evidence suggesting that Anicetus and Alexiares might have been worshipped in places such as Thebes and Rhodes. However, due to the scarcity of historical records, the exact nature and extent of their cult are uncertain.

References

1. "Alexiares". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
2. "Alexiares". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
3. "Alexiares". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
4. "Alexiares". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
5. "Alexiares". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
6. Roisman, Hanna M. (2013). The Encyclopedia of Greek Tragedy. Wiley–Blackwell.
7. Roisman, Hanna M. (2013). The Encyclopedia of Greek Tragedy. Wiley–Blackwell.

This article relating to a Greek deity is a stub. You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e

• Greek gods
• Heracleidae
• Religion in ancient Rhodes
• Religion in ancient Boeotia
• Children of Heracles
• Brother duos
• Olympian deities
• Greek deity stubs