Argus, << AHR guhs >>, was a gigantic monster in Greek mythology. He had 100 eyes and was called Panoptes, which means all-seeing. The goddess Hera assigned Argus to guard her hated rival, the beautiful Princess Io, a mistress of her husband Zeus (see Io). For this reason, the term argus is sometimes used to describe a watchful guardian. Acting on orders from Zeus, the god Hermes killed Argus, thus winning the title Argeiphontes (the Slayer of Argus). According to one story, Hera used Argus’ 100 eyes to decorate the tail of her peacock.
Argus or Argos was also the name of the faithful hunting dog of the hero Ulysses in the epic poem the Odyssey. The dog recognized his master when Ulysses returned home after an absence of 20 years. Argus or Argos was also the builder of the Argo, the ship commanded by the hero Jason.
