Alcides
/ælˈsaɪdiːz/noun
A mythological epithet for Heracles, or Hercules, meaning a descendant of Alcaeus.
Did you know?Alcides refers to Heracles through his mortal family line: his father, Amphitryon, was the son of Alcaeus, making the epithet genealogical rather than merely symbolic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂elk-
“To ward off, defend, or provide strength.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
alkē (ἀλκή)
“Strength, defensive power, or valor.”
Archaic Greek
Greek
Alkeus (Ἀλκαῖος)
“Alcaeus, a personal name associated with strength; literally related to the idea of might.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Alkeidēs (Ἀλκείδης)
“Descendant or son of Alcaeus; an epithet applied to Heracles.”
Latin Antiquity
Latin
Alcīdēs
“The Latinized form of the Greek epithet for Hercules.”
Early Modern English
English
Alcides
“A learned poetic name for Hercules or Heracles.”
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