Hercules (Heracles) Myth, in Greek mythology, is a legendary character renowned for his strength. In Roman mythology, he is known as Hercules. In this article, we will delve into the story of Hercules in detail and share his unforgettable 12 labors. Let’s get started!
Hercules (Heracles) Myth
Hercules, the legendary hero of Greek mythology, was born as the son of Zeus and Alcmene. From his infancy, Hercules faced the wrath of Hera, Zeus’ wife. At just 8 months old, he displayed his extraordinary strength by strangling two snakes sent to attack him and his twin brother, Iphicles. As Hercules grew older, he accomplished his first heroic feat by slaying the Cithaeronian Lion, earning him the hand of Megara in marriage. However, driven to madness by Hera’s manipulation, Hercules tragically killed his own family. To seek redemption, Hercules became a servant of King Eurystheus and undertook the Twelve Labors, a series of daunting tasks that tested his courage and strength.
Hercules (Heracles) Myth’ 12 Labors
Nemean Lion
His first labor was to kill the Nemean Lion, which was spreading fear in the forests of Nemea. Hercules successfully hunted the lion and used its hide as armor.
Lernaean Hydra
His second labor was to slay the Lernaean Hydra, a nine-headed serpent-like creature living near the Lernaean Lake. Hercules battled the Hydra and completed the task, but each time he cut off one of its heads, two more grew back. He eventually managed to defeat the Hydra by cauterizing the neck stumps to prevent further regrowth.
Ceryneian Hind
His third labor was to capture the Ceryneian Hind, a sacred deer with golden antlers. Hercules pursued the deer for an entire year and finally caught it by lightly wounding it while it was crossing a river. He then returned the deer to King Eurystheus.
Erymanthian Boar
His fourth labor was to capture the Erymanthian Boar, a monstrous wild boar terrorizing the slopes of Mount Erymanthus. Hercules managed to capture the boar and brought it to King Eurystheus.
Augean Stables
His fifth labor was to clean the Augean Stables, which had not been cleaned for years. Hercules accomplished this seemingly impossible task in a single day by diverting two rivers to wash away the filth. However, King Eurystheus refused to acknowledge the completion of the labor, claiming that Hercules had received payment for it.
Stymphalian Birds
His sixth labor was to drive away the Stymphalian Birds, man-eating birds with bronze beaks and feathers that lived around Lake Stymphalus. Hercules scared away the birds with a rattle provided by the goddess Athena and completed his task.
Cretan Bull
His seventh labor was to capture the Cretan Bull, a wild bull that had been causing destruction on the island of Crete. Hercules managed to capture the bull and brought it back to King Eurystheus.
Mares of Diomedes
His eighth labor was to capture the man-eating Mares of Diomedes, horses that were owned by King Diomedes of Thrace. Hercules defeated King Diomedes and fed him to his own horses, taming them in the process.
Belt of Hippolyta
His ninth labor was to obtain the belt of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. Hercules successfully obtained the belt by convincing Hippolyta to give it to him, but Hera spread a false rumor among the Amazons, causing them to attack Hercules. In the ensuing battle, Hercules killed Hippolyta and took the belt.
Cattle of the Monster Geryon
His tenth labor was to bring back the cattle of Geryon, a three-bodied monster who guarded a herd of red cattle. Hercules defeated Geryon and his two-headed dog, Orthrus, and brought the cattle back to King Eurystheus.
Apples of the Hesperides
His eleventh labor was to fetch the golden apples of the Hesperides, which were guarded by a dragon and kept in a garden at the western edge of the world. Hercules sought the help of Atlas, who held up the heavens, to retrieve the apples. After relieving Atlas of his burden temporarily, Hercules obtained the apples and returned them to King Eurystheus.
Capture of Cerberus
His twelfth and final labor was to bring Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to the underworld, to the surface. Hercules successfully captured Cerberus and presented him to King Eurystheus, but then returned the dog to the underworld.
If you like the Hercules (Heracles) Legend story, you can check out the Story of Icarus