Automatons

Automatons were creatures crafted out of metal. They animated men, animals and monsters in order to perform various tasks. In other words, they were self-operating machines or robots. Most of them were created by Hephaestus, the divine blacksmith, and some by famous Greek inventor Daedalus who used quicksilver to install a voice in his statues.


Caucasian Eagle - a gigantic eagle, sent by Zeus to mount Caucasus to feed on the immortal regenerating liver of Prometheus. It was described as an automaton made out of bronze by Hephaestus or a son of Echidna.

Hippoi Kabeirikoi - four horse-shaped automatons, crafted out of bronze by Hephaestus to draw the chariot of the Cabeiri, a group of enigmatic chthonic deities.

Hounds of Alcinous - never-ageing immortal creatures made out of silver and gold by Hephaestus' matchless artistry to guard the palace of Alcinous, a king of Phaiacians.

Keledones - magical singing maidens, crafted out of gold by Hephaestus. It is said that they were placed at the temple of Apollo in Delphi.

Khalkotauroi - fire-breathing bulls with bronze hooves and bronze mouth, crafted by Hephaestus for Aeetes of Colchis as a gift. Their task was protecting the golden fleece and were encountered and defeated by Jason.

Kourai Khryseai - beautiful maidens crafted out of gold by Hephaestus, in order to attend him in his palace at Mount Olympus.

Talos - a giant creature made out of bronze and set by Zeus to protect Europa in Crete from anyone who would want to kidnap her. He is either forged by Hephaestus or is last remnant of his race.

Tripods of Olympus - twenty tripods with golden wheels and a mind of their own, fashioned by Hephaestus. It is said that they would wheel themselves into the immortal gathering, when and if there was one, and made all the gods of Olympus look in awe at this wonder.