Argus Panoptes and The Peacock

Argus Panoptes is often described as a giant with a hundred eyes, but was that really true?

Keep reading to learn more about Hera's most watchful servant!

In art and modern retellings, the giant Argus is often called Hundred-Eyed. In ancient Greek vase painting, this often meant that he was shown with rows of eyes covering his entire body. This gave Argus Panoptes, the All-Seeing, a monstrous appearance. In his legend, he was a faithful servant of the gods and loyal to Hera. He was appointed by her to be a guard. His subject was suspicious white cow that Hera thought might be one of Zeus's lovers in disguise. Hera was correct, and Zeus's plan to free lo resulted in the death of Argus Panoptes. Hera commemorated her service by placing his hundred eyes in the tail of the peacock.

(A section from an article by Mike Greenberg, PhD)