Who are Alexiares and Anicetus?
Q: Who are Alexiares and Anicetus?
A: Alexiares and Anicetus are minor deities in Greek Mythology. They are the immortal twin sons of Heracles, the greatest of the Greek heroes and the strongest mortal to live.
Q: Who is their mother?
A: Their mother is Hebe, the goddess of youth who serves Ambrosia and nectar to other Olympian gods.
Q: What roles did they have?
A: Along with their father Heracles, they were responsible for guarding Mount Olympus, protecting and fortifying towns and citadels, being gods of defense, as well as being gods of sports.
Q: How were they born?
A: They were born after Hercules's mortal death and ascent to Olympus where he gained immortality and married Hebe. Callimachus makes a reference to Hebe receiving assistance from her sister during the birth of her sons.
Q: What do their names mean?
A: Their names mean "he who wards off war" (Alexiares) and "the unconquerable one" (Anicetus).
Q: Where were they worshipped most?
A: The twins were worshipped most in Thebes and Rhodes.
Q: What powers did they possess?
A: Their powers were said to be youthfulness and sportsmanship.
