Cap of invisibility facts for kids
The Cap of Invisibility is a special helmet or cap from classical mythology. It's also known as the Cap of Hades or Helm of Hades. This magical item makes anyone who wears it completely invisible! It's like being hidden by a cloud of mist.
In Greek myths, several important figures used this cap. These include Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom, Hermes, the messenger god, and the brave hero Perseus.
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What is the Cap of Invisibility?
The Cap of Invisibility is a powerful magical item. It was often linked to Hades, who is the god of the underworld. The cap's Greek name, (H)aïdos kyneē, means "dog-skin of Hades." This suggests it might have been made from animal skin, or simply belonged to Hades.
When someone wears the cap, they become invisible not just to people, but also to other gods and powerful beings. This makes it a very useful tool for sneaking around or escaping danger.
How the Cap Was Made
One ancient story, called the Bibliotheca, tells us about the cap's creation. It says that the Cyclops, who were giant one-eyed beings, made special gifts for the gods.
They gave Zeus his powerful lightning bolt and Poseidon his mighty trident. For Hades, they created this amazing helmet, the kyneê. This happened during a big war against the Titans, where the gods fought to take control of the world.
Who Used the Cap?
The Cap of Invisibility was used by several important figures in Greek myths.
Hades
As its name suggests, Hades was the original owner of the Cap of Invisibility. The Elder Cyclops made it for him after Hades and his brothers, Zeus and Poseidon, freed them from a dark prison called Tartarus.
Hades used this helmet very well during the Titanomachy. This was the great war between the gods and the Titans. The cap helped Hades play a big part in defeating the Titans.
Athena
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, battle, and crafts. She wore the Cap of Invisibility during the famous Trojan War.
She used the cap to become invisible to Ares, the god of war. Athena was helping a hero named Diomedes who was fighting Ares. Because Athena was invisible, she could help Diomedes without Ares knowing. With her help, Diomedes was even able to injure the god of war with a spear!
Hermes
Hermes is the quick messenger god. He also wore the Cap of Invisibility. He used it during a battle against a giant named Hippolytus. The cap helped him fight this powerful foe.
Perseus
In some stories, the hero Perseus received the Cap of Invisibility. He got it from Athena when he went on a dangerous quest to defeat the Gorgon Medusa. Medusa was a monster with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people to stone.
The cap helped Perseus escape from Medusa's immortal sisters, Stheno and Euryale, after he had killed Medusa. It wasn't used to avoid Medusa's stony gaze, but to get away safely afterwards. Other myths say Perseus got the cap from the Stygian nymphs instead of Athena.
See also
In Spanish: Casco de Hades para niños
- Bident – another mystical object linked to Hades
- Cloak of invisibility
- Cloaking device
- Ring of Gyges
- Tarnhelm
