EPHIALTES

Ephialtes (Greek: Ἐφιάλτης, Ephiáltēs, meaning "nightmare" or "leaper") refers primarily to three notable figures in ancient Greek history and mythology:

1. Ephialtes of Trachis (Historical Betrayer)

The most famous individual with this name was a local Malian man who betrayed the Greek allied forces to the Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE.

• The Betrayal: Expecting a monetary reward from Persian King Xerxes I, Ephialtes revealed the Anopaia path—a narrow mountain trail leading behind the Greek defensive position held by King Leonidas I of Sparta.
• The Outcome: Persian troops under Hydarnes used the path to encircle the Greeks, leading to the legendary last stand and annihilation of Leonidas and his remaining force.
• Legacy: His name became synonymous with treason in Greek culture, similar to "Judas" or "Benedict Arnold." In modern Greek, ephialtes (εφιάλτης) serves as the standard word for "nightmare."

2. Ephialtes of Athens (Democratizing Reformer)

An Athenian politician of the 5th century BCE who played a critical role in the development of Athenian democracy.

• Reforms of 462 BCE: Along with a young Pericles, Ephialtes led the democratic faction against the conservative leader Cimon. He successfully stripped the Areopagus (the council of aristocratic elders) of its political power, transferring supervisory authority, judicial overwatch, and magisterial accountability directly to the popular assembly (Eklesia), council (Boule), and law courts (Dikasteria).
• Assassination: Shortly after instituting these radical democratic changes, Ephialtes was assassinated in 461 BCE, likely by political opponents financed by the oligarchic faction.

3. Ephialtes the Giant (Mythology)

In Greek mythology, Ephialtes was one of the Aloadae, twin giant sons of Iphimedeia and Poseidon (alongside his brother Otus).

• The Myth: The Aloadae grew at an extraordinary rate—one cubit in breadth and one fathom in height every year.
• Challenge to the Gods: They attempted to storm Mount Olympus by stacking Mount Pelion on top of Mount Ossa. They also famously imprisoned Ares, the god of war, in a bronze vessel for 13 months until Hermes rescued him.
• Demise: Artemis tricking them into throwing their spears at a hind leaping between them, causing them to pierce and kill each other.