Telchin

The Telchines (Greek: Τελχῖνες) were a mythical race in Greek mythology, often associated with the island of Rhodes. Accounts of their nature and origin vary significantly, but they are consistently depicted as skilled metalworkers and sorcerers. Some accounts describe them as the children of Thalassa (the sea) and Pontus (the sea), or of Gaia (Earth) and Tartarus (the underworld).

The Telchines were credited with a number of inventions and skills, including the art of working bronze and iron, and the creation of statues of the gods. They were also said to be the first inhabitants of Rhodes, and were responsible for establishing the cult of Helios, the sun god, on the island. Some traditions attribute to them the construction of the city of Lindos.

Despite their supposed ingenuity and skill, the Telchines were often portrayed in a negative light. They were accused of using their magical abilities for evil purposes, such as causing drought, disease, and floods. One common accusation was that they possessed the evil eye and could harm people and crops with their gaze. Because of these accusations and their alleged misuse of magic, they were often associated with destructive forces and considered malevolent beings.

Various accounts detail the demise of the Telchines. In some versions, they were destroyed by Zeus, who flooded Rhodes to punish them for their wicked deeds. In other accounts, they were driven from the island by Helios, who was angered by their sacrilegious behavior. Still others claim they fled Rhodes before a great flood or because of the arrival of a different population.

The conflicting and often contradictory accounts of the Telchines suggest a complex and evolving mythological tradition. Their reputation as both skilled artisans and malevolent sorcerers highlights the ambiguous nature of ancient Greek beliefs about technology, magic, and the power of nature. The fragmented nature of the available information makes it difficult to reconstruct a comprehensive picture of their role in Greek mythology, contributing to their enigmatic and often demonized image.