Aloadae

Classical sources present two closely related origin patterns: as patronymic 'sons of Aloeus' (Aloadae) tied to Thessalian lineage, or as the sons of Poseidon by Iphimedeia (with Aloeus as stepfather). They are twins named Otus (Otos) and Ephialtes, whose rapid growth and extraordinary size set them apart in the heroic/mythic age and whose ambitions lead them to challenge the Olympian gods.

Sources emphasize enormous, rapidly increasing stature and prodigious physical strength rather than detailed facial or clothing description. Accounts say they grew by 'nine fingers' each month (often rendered in translations as nine inches) and became enormous youths—variously described as giants or of extraordinary size—so that, as adolescents, they attempted to reach the heavens. One tradition describes their posthumous punishment in the underworld bound back-to-back to a column with serpents and an owl above them.

Across traditions they exhibit superhuman growth and strength, astounding physical prowess, and audacious hubris: attempting to reach Olympus by stacking mountains (Pelion and Ossa), seizing divine brides (Artemis and Hera in different accounts), and in some versions capturing Ares and imprisoning him in a bronze jar/pithos for a lunar year (thirteen months). Their feats are opposed by gods—Artemis uses trickery in one version (becoming a deer that causes them to kill one another), Apollo slays them in another, and Hermes frees Ares after being informed—indicating that their defeat is effected by divine intervention, accident, or internecine violence.