Hercules Review of his labors

First,.... Hercules’ must complete these labors as penance for killing his family. He serves Eurystheus, King of Argos for 12 months.

The Nemean Lion Hercules set out first to find and destroy a monstrous lion, whose den was in the Nemean Forest. The monster committed his terrible acts, carrying off cattle and sheep, men, women, and children, to eat them!

Hercules entered the forest, tracked the lion to his den, grasped him by the throat, and strangled him to death. He then skinned the monster.

The Hydra of Lerna Hercules was told to repair to the marshes of Lerna, where lurked a seven-headed serpent, the Hydra. Armed with a great sword Hercules succeeded in cutting off one of his seven heads. Hercules and his friend Iolaus would take a lighted brand and sear the wounds as soon inflicted.

The monster was finally defeated. Hercules then dipped his arrows in the Hydra’s venomous blood.

The Stag of Cerynea Eurystheus then appointed him to capture the golden-horned, brazen- footed stag of Cerynea.

Hercules was obliged to pursue this animal, he managed the capture by driving him into deep snowdrift, in a distant northern land, from which he extricated him, and carried him home in triumph.

The Erymanthian Boar His fourth labour, the capture of the wild boar of Erymanthus in Arcadia. Hercules turned his deadly arrows upon the Centaurs, but he accidentally wounded his beloved tutor Chiron.

The wound was mortal and Chiron died; for his good offices the gods transferred him to the sky, where he is known as the constellation Sagittarius.

The Augean Stables Hercules was sent to Augeas, King of Elis, who had immense droves of cattle. Hercules was given the task to remove the accumulated filth from the stables, and make complete purification of the building.

Hercules rushed a torrent, or a river, the Alpheys, and the waters passed directly through the stables, carrying away all impurities, and finally washing them perfectly clean.

The Cretan Bull Hercules next journey sent him off to Crete, to capture of a mad bull given off by Neptune to Minos. The god had sent the animal to be offered in a sacrifice; but Minos kept him he then maddened he bull which rushed wildly all over the island.

Hercules with his strength and skill caught and bound the animal.

The Steeds of Diomedes He went Thrace, where Diomedes, the king, who had horses which fed on human flesh. To supply food for his horses, Diomedes had decreed that all strangers be seized, and when sufficiently fat, feed them to his horses. Hercules threw Diomedes to his own horses.

Hippolyte’s Girdle Eurystheus sent Hercules to recover a girdle worn by Hippolyte, for his daughter Admete. Hercules arrived to the Amazons and boldly explained why he was there.

Hippolyte told him to stay and feast and rest in the palace. Everything was going well until Juno spread rumors around the castle that Hercules had come to kidnap the queen.

Hippolyte’s Girdle The Amazons attacked Hercules. He defeated them, and finally took away the prize and journeyed home. On his way he saved Hesione, Laomedon;s daughter from the jaws of the sea monster.

The Stymphalian Birds Eurystheus pleased with his achievements had him kill the dangerous birds which hovered over the stagnant waters of Lake Stymphalus. The poison arrows now served him, and enabled him to kill them quickly!

The Cattle of Geryones Hercules was next told to capture the divine cattle of Geryones. A giant stole some of his cows. To punish him Hercules forced his way into his cave, attacked him, and, after a memorable encounter, slew him.

The animals were sent to Eurystheus, who sent Hercules in seach of the Golden Apples of the Hesperides.

The Hesperian Apples Given to Juno as a wedding present, and she had entrusted them in the care of Hesperides. Travels to Prometheus (sets him free), and directs him to his brother Atlas. Atlas helps him obtain the apples (then tricks him).

The Capture of Cerberus Hercules completes this difficult task, but Eurystheus is so terrified of this he has Hercules take the dog back to the underworld.

He eventually returns to bondage, for in a fit of anger he slew a man, and was required to serve Omphale, Queen of Lydia for a certain period of time.