Ancient Greek Art: Heracles & Cycnus

Heracles fighting Cycnus, with Ares, Athena & Zeus | Greek vase, Athenian black figure hydria

"It was he, Herakles, who killed Kyknos, high-hearted son of Ares, for he came upon him in the precinct of Apollon, himself and his father, Ares insatiable in battle, blazing both of them like the light of burning fire " - Hesiod, The Shield of Heracles

K9.7 HERAKLES & KYKNOS

Museum Collection: Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio, USA
Catalogue Number: Toledo 1955.42
Beazley Archive Number: 306994
Ware: Attic Black Figure
Shape: Hydria
Painter: Attributed to the Leagros Group or to the Group Vatican 424
Date: ca 510 - 500 BC
Period: Late Archaic

SUMMARY

Herakles is about to strike down Kyknos, son of Ares, with his sword. The battle is witnessed by the gods Athene, Ares and Zeus. The last, standing in the centre, raises his hand to prevent Ares from interfering. Beside Ares stands the mother of Kyknos.

ARTICLESAres, Athene, Zeus