Unchanged by any teller — how the centuries since have seen Porphyrion (Gigantes).
The gallery
Zeus and Porphyrion (Pergamon Altar, east frieze)
Unknown (Pergamon Altar workshop), c. 180–160 BC
On the east frieze of the Great Altar of Pergamon, Zeus storms against the Giant identified as Porphyrion — the greatest of the earthborn beside Alcyoneus. Hellenistic marble makes the king of the Giants the thunderer's chief antagonist in the Gigantomachy.
Zeus group, Pergamon Altar
Unknown (Pergamon Altar workshop), c. 180–160 BC
Another view of the Zeus combat on the Pergamon frieze: eagle, thunderbolt, and falling Giants — the sculptural stage on which Porphyrion's assault on Hera and Zeus was carved for the Attalid capital.
Zeus against Porphyrion (Pergamon Altar)
Unknown (Pergamon Altar workshop), c. 180–160 BC
A closer photograph titles the duel: Zeus contra Porphyrion on the Great Altar now in Berlin. Apollodorus makes this Giant lust for Hera until Zeus blasts him; the frieze turns that lore into stone combat.
Pergamon Zeus (Gigantomachy detail)
Unknown (Pergamon Altar workshop), c. 180–160 BC
Detail of Zeus in the Gigantomachy frieze — the god who, with Heracles' aid, ends Porphyrion's assault. The Pergamon Altar remains the defining public image of the Giant who challenged Olympus.
In play
Pergamon Altar
The Great Altar's Gigantomachy frieze stages Zeus against Porphyrion — the earthborn king of the Giants carved for Pergamon and now in Berlin.
Porphyrion
Greatest of the Giants with Alcyoneus — Apollodorus' attacker of Hera, slain by Zeus' thunderbolt and Heracles' arrows in the Gigantomachy.