Labors of Hercules (1)

Labors of Hercules is one of the most famous myths featuring Hercules. First, he had to slay the Nemean Lion. The beast had a magically indestructible golden hide that was golden in color. Hercules had to combat the monster and use just his hands to fight it. Hercules ultimately succeeded in skinning the beast with its own claws after killing it. The second labor is slaying the Lernaean Hydra which is a snake with poisonous breath and blood. Hercules rapidly saw that Hydra could not be killed by slicing off her head. He sought assistance from his nephew Iolaus, who proposed that he burn the neck stumps after each decapitation. The plan was successful, and Hercules eventually killed the monster.

For the next task, the Ceryneian Hind, the sacred animal of Artemis, was sent by Hera and Eurystheus to be captured by Hercules. Hercules finally caught the hind after a year-long pursuit, but on the way back he was met by Artemis and Apollo. Hercules' plight was heard by Artemis, who pardoned him and let him finish the task.

Eurystheus next requested that Hercules deliver the enormous Erymanthian boar alive. He first pursued, forcing it to flee through dense bushes and trees until finally driven into a deep snowbank. The animal was chained up and brought back on Hercules' left shoulder. Next, Eurystheus tasked Hercules with the job of cleaning the stables of King Augeas. By rerouting the rivers Alpheus and Peneus and cleaning out the filth in just one day, Hercules was able to complete the task. He also demanded 1/10th of the life stock as an award if he would do the job in a day.