In Greek mythology, Typhon was the monstrous winged serpent who fought Zeus for control of the cosmos.
Typhon is described as a gigantic creature with a human-like upper body, serpentine coils, wings, and numerous snake heads. Ancient sources portray him as a terrifying opponent of the Olympian gods. He was born to Gaia and Tartarus in the tradition recorded by Hesiod’s Theogony, making him a force connected with the older powers of the earth and underworld.
The battle between Typhon and Zeus is one of Greek mythology’s major divine succession stories. Typhon initially overpowered Zeus in some versions, but Zeus eventually defeated him with thunderbolts. The monster was buried beneath Mount Etna, which later traditions used to explain volcanic eruptions and underground fire.
Typhon is sometimes confused with Echidna, his mate and a separate monster described as half woman and half serpent. Their offspring include several famous creatures, including Cerberus and the Sphinx in later mythographic traditions.