In Greek mythology, Argus was a giant with 100 eyes. Some accounts say the eyes were all in his head; others say they were all over his body. Known as Panoptes or "all seeing" because some of his eyes always remained open while the others slept, Argus was very powerful. He killed Echidna, a monster who was half woman, half serpent and who crushed her victims with her tail. Argus also killed a bull that was destroying Arcadia, a land of shepherds, and a satyr who stole cattle.
satyr woodland deity that was part man and part goat or horse
The goddess Hera* appointed Argus to watch over Io, a priestess whom Zeus* had turned into a cow. Zeus sent his son Hermes* to free Io. Hermes told stories and played music for Argus until he succeeded in making all 100 eyes go to sleep at the same time. Hermes wasted no time and slew the giant. Hera took Argus's eyes and placed them on the tail of her sacred bird, the peacock.
See also Io .
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