Panoptes, meaning all-seeing, was the byname of this legendary figure, slain by Hermes while standing guard over Io

On the February 13, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was Greek Myth, and the clue given was:

“Panoptes, meaning all-seeing, was the byname of this legendary figure, slain by Hermes while standing guard over Io.”

Who is Argus?

Argus Panoptes, often simply referred to as Argus, was a giant from Greek mythology known for having many eyes, which granted him an unparalleled ability to see in all directions at once. His byname, Panoptes, translates to “all-seeing,” emphasizing his role as a vigilant and tireless watchman. According to myth, he was assigned by Hera, the queen of the gods, to guard Io, a mortal woman whom Zeus had transformed into a cow to conceal their affair.

Hera, aware of Zeus’s deception, placed Io under the watchful eye of Argus to ensure she remained under her control. Argus was uniquely suited to this task due to his multiple eyes, which allowed him to rest some while keeping others open, making it nearly impossible to catch him off guard.

The Role of Hermes in Argus’ Fate

Zeus, seeking to free Io from Hera’s grasp, sent Hermes to eliminate Argus. Hermes, known for his cunning and resourcefulness, approached the task not through brute force but through deception. He played music and told long, monotonous stories to lull Argus into a deep sleep. Once all of Argus’ eyes were closed, Hermes seized the opportunity and killed him, freeing Io from his watchful gaze.

This myth highlights Hermes’ clever nature, which often played a crucial role in Greek mythology. Rather than using sheer strength, Hermes relied on strategy and wit, making this one of his most well-known exploits.

The Legacy of Argus Panoptes

Although Argus met his end, his story did not conclude with his death. To honor his faithful service, Hera took his many eyes and placed them on the tail of the peacock, an animal sacred to her. This myth explains the distinctive eye-like patterns found on peacock feathers and serves as a lasting tribute to Argus’ role in Greek mythology.

The tale of Argus Panoptes illustrates common themes in Greek mythology, including deception, power struggles among the gods, and the consequences of divine interventions in mortal affairs. It remains a well-known legend, referenced in both ancient literature and modern adaptations of Greek mythology.

Argus in Modern Culture

Argus’ name and legacy have endured beyond ancient mythology, influencing language, literature, and even science. The term “argus-eyed” is used to describe someone who is highly observant or vigilant, a direct reference to his all-seeing nature. Additionally, in zoology, various species with distinctive eye-like patterns or keen vision have been named after him.

His role in Greek mythology also continues to be referenced in modern storytelling, from literature and films to video games and television series. The enduring nature of the myth reflects the lasting impact of Greek mythology on contemporary culture.