Hercules’ Six Labors: Nemean Lion, Hydra, and More
Hercules’ First Labor: The Nemean Lion
Eurystheus ordered Hercules to slay the Nemean lion, a beast with rock-hard skin that hid during the day and night, killing every living thing that crossed its path. Hercules tried to kill it with weapons, but they had no effect. He then grabbed the lion by its hind legs, and after hitting it against the wall until it was dazed, he strangled it. Hercules then used the lion’s own claws to skin the body and wore the pelt as a shield.
Hercules’ Second Labor: The Hydra of Lerna
Hercules had to kill the Hydra of Lerna, a monster with the body of a serpent, dragon claws, and a back covered with hard scales. It had seven heads, each vomiting fire and brimstone. One head was gold and said to be immortal. When Hercules cut off a head, it regenerated, and the blood that fell to the ground turned into scorpions and snakes. Hercules asked his nephew to set fire to the nearest forest and bring flaming embers to cauterize the open wounds in the beast’s neck, preventing more heads from growing. Eventually, he cut off the golden head with a sword and buried it under a huge rock.
Hercules’ Third Labor: The Erymanthian Boar
Hercules had to capture the Erymanthian boar without killing it. Athena appeared and gave him a string. When he saw the boar wallowing in a puddle, he cried out and ran up the hill, as if afraid of the animal, to tire it out. Taking advantage of the boar’s confusion, Hercules jumped on its back, managed to lock its legs, and used the chain Athena gave him to secure its snout. He then carried the boar to Eurystheus, who, terrified, hid in a jar and told Hercules to take it away.
Hercules’ Fourth Labor: The Ceryneian Hind
Hercules had to seize the Ceryneian hind, a strange and beautiful animal the size of an ox, with golden horns and bronze hooves. It was dedicated to Artemis, and no one could kill or even touch it. The hind was very agile and ran at staggering speed. Hercules chased it for a year. One afternoon, when the deer, exhausted and thirsty, stopped to drink from the river, Hercules slightly wounded it with an arrow, making it easier to capture. When he showed it to Eurystheus, Artemis and Apollo appeared, accusing him of wanting to kill the animal. Hercules apologized, blaming Eurystheus. Eurystheus, seeing Hercules and the captive deer, was terrified.
Hercules’ Fifth Labor: The Augean Stables
Hercules had to clean the Augean stables, belonging to King Augeas of Elis. Augeas thought Hercules was crazy and said that if he cleaned the stables in one day, he would receive a tenth of the flocks in return. Hercules channeled rivers to flow through the stables, creating two holes: one for the water to enter and another for it to drain. Within hours, the stables were clean. Augeas refused to fulfill the agreement, claiming Hercules performed the feat on Eurystheus’ orders. Brought to trial, Phyleus, Augeas’ son, testified in favor of Hercules, having witnessed the covenant. Augeas banished Phyleus and Hercules from his kingdom. Soon after, Hercules commanded an army, deposed Augeas, and placed Phyleus on the throne.
Hercules’ Sixth Labor: The Cretan Bull
Hercules had to capture the Cretan bull, a very beautiful animal. Hercules went in search of the bull and, after a brief struggle, grabbed it by the horns, lifted it onto his back, and carried it alive to Eurystheus. Upon seeing the animal, Eurystheus ran into his jar and told Hercules to take it away.