Alexiares and Anicetus facts for kids
Alexiares (pronounced Ah-lex-ee-AH-res) and Anicetus (pronounced Ah-nik-EE-tus) are special, lesser-known gods in Greek mythology. They are the twin sons of Heracles, who was the most famous Greek hero and the strongest person ever. Their mother was Hebe, the goddess of youth. She also served special food and drink to the other gods on Mount Olympus.
Along with their father, Alexiares and Anicetus helped guard Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. They might have even been like gatekeepers for Olympus. These twins also protected towns and strong castles. They were seen as the gods of defense and sports.
Alexiares and Anicetus were born after Heracles became a god and married Hebe on Mount Olympus. The goddess Eileithyia, who helped with childbirth, helped Hebe when the twins were born. Their names have special meanings: Alexiares means "he who wards off war" (someone who stops wars), and Anicetus means "the unconquerable one" (someone who can't be defeated).
Where They Were Honored
People mainly honored Alexiares and Anicetus in the ancient cities of Thebes and Rhodes. They were thought to have power over youth and sports.
We don't know much about them, except for a story about their birth found in an ancient book called the Bibliotheca. This book says: "Heracles achieved immortality, and when Hera’s enmity changed to friendship, he married her daughter Hebe, who bore him twin sons Alexiares and Anicetus."
See also
In Spanish: Alexiares y Aniceto para niños
