Panoptes, meaning all-seeing, was the byname of this legendary figure, slain by Hermes while standing guard over Io
Thursday’s Final Jeopardy clue came from the category “Greek Myth”, challenging contestants with the following statement:
“Panoptes, meaning all-seeing, was the byname of this legendary figure, slain by Hermes while standing guard over Io.”
Who is Argus?
The correct response was Argus Panoptes, a giant from Greek mythology known for his hundred eyes and unwavering vigilance. He played a crucial role in the myth of Io, serving as her watchful guardian before meeting his end at the hands of Hermes.
In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes was a giant whose name, “Panoptes,” translates to “all-seeing.” He was described as having multiple eyes—some sources say one hundred—which allowed him to remain ever watchful, even when he slept. At any given time, some of his eyes remained open, making him an ideal guardian.
His most famous role came in the myth of Io, a mortal woman who had been transformed into a cow by Zeus to conceal their affair from his wife, Hera. Suspicious of Zeus’s actions, Hera took Io and placed her under the watchful eye of Argus, ensuring that Zeus could not free her.
The Role of Hermes in Argus’s Fate
Zeus, determined to rescue Io, sent his messenger, Hermes, to deal with Argus. Hermes, known for his cunning and skill as a trickster, used his abilities to lull Argus into a deep sleep. Some versions of the myth describe Hermes playing music on a lyre or flute, while others suggest he told lengthy, hypnotic stories. Once all of Argus’s eyes were closed, Hermes swiftly slew him, allowing Io to escape.
Hera, mourning the loss of her loyal servant, honored Argus by placing his eyes on the tail of the peacock, a bird that became associated with her. This transformation of Argus’s eyes into the peacock’s striking feather pattern remains one of the most well-known symbolic elements in Greek mythology.
The Legacy of Argus Panoptes
The story of Argus Panoptes has endured in literature, art, and symbolism. His unblinking vigilance has made him a metaphor for watchfulness and surveillance, often appearing in discussions about omnipresence and constant observation. The concept of an “all-seeing eye” in later cultures may have drawn inspiration from figures like Argus.
Additionally, the tale of his demise highlights Hermes’s reputation as a clever and persuasive deity, capable of overcoming even the most formidable challenges. This myth serves as an example of how intelligence and strategy, rather than brute force, can be used to achieve one’s goals in Greek mythology.
How This Myth Connects to Jeopardy
Final Jeopardy often features clues that require an understanding of etymology and mythological connections. In this case, recognizing that “Panoptes” means “all-seeing” would have been the key to identifying Argus as the correct answer. Contestants with knowledge of Greek myths and their significance would have had the best chance of arriving at the correct response.
The myth of Argus Panoptes continues to be an essential part of classical mythology, illustrating themes of loyalty, deception, and transformation that remain relevant even today.