Antaeus, son of Gaia, was a Libyan giant whose strength appeared invicible. He challenged all travelers to a wrestling match which he invariably won. Upon winning he slaughtered his adversaries. That is, until he met Hercules.
Hercules was on his way back from the Hesperides when the giant challenged the hero to a wrestling match. No matter how many times Hercules threw Antaeus off and tossed him to the ground, it did no good. If anything, the giant appeared rejuvenated from the encounter.
Hercules eventually realized that the earth, Antaeus' mother, was the source of his strength, so Hercules held the giant aloft until all his power had drained away. After he killed Antaeus, Hercules proceeded safely back to his task master, King Eurystheus.
Antaeus is also spelled Antaios.
Some ancient writers who mention Antaeus are Pindar, Apollodorus, and Quintus Smyrnus.
