South frieze of the Altar: Rhea Kybele and figures around the bull-necked Giant

Rhea-Kybele rides into battle from the left end of the frieze. This mother-goddess of Asia Minor sits on her lion and brandishes her bow and arrow, accompanied by Zeus’eagle (cat. no. 180.17). The goddess in front of her wears a mantle that billows like a sail – perhaps meant to represent Nyx, goddess of the night. To the right, a figure swinging a hammer has been interpreted as Hephaistos; but it probably represents a Giant coming to the aid of his bull-headed companion. Facing him is a kneeling older god (a plaster cast of the Worksop Relief; perhaps Tithonos) who turns his muscular back to the viewer and plunges his spear into his opponent’s body.