Antaeus, son of Gaia, was a giant, whose strength appeared invincible. He was known for challenging travellers to wrestling matches which he invariably always won, until he met Hercules. During their combat it appeared at first as though Hercules might lose, for no matter how many times he threw Antaeus to the ground, it did no good. Hercules eventually realised that the earth (Gaia), Antaeus' mother, was the source of his strength, so he held the giant aloft from the ground until all his power had drained away, and then crushed him to death.