While automatons might seem like something only dreamt up in the 20th century, they actually have their origins back in Greek mythology. The word automaton is Greek for "self-moving". In Greek mythology, Automatoi were metallic statues of humans, animals, or monsters crafted by Hephaestus (the god of fire, volcanoes, smithing) and animated. Hephaestus made 4 golden maidens (Kourai Khryseai) to be his attendants as well as Talos and a whole array of other metallic figures and creatures (like bronze bulls).