Cercopes

Cercopes

in Greek mythology, were thieving, tantalizing goblins. They were said to be inhabitants of the Pithecusian islands, and that Jupiter came to them for assistance in the war against the Titans. The Cercopes promised him assistance for a certain amount of gold; but when they had received their pay in advance, they ridiculed him, and refused to serve him, for which he changed them into apes, hence the name Pithecusian, i.e. Cape islands. Others understand two brothers under this name, Atlas and Candulus, sons of the Oceanidse Thia, who lived in Lydia, where they played dishonest tricks on strangers.