Hercules and the Nemean Lion

In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and his adventures.The goddess Hera, decided to make Hercules, lose his mind because he hated him. In a confused state, Hercules, murdered his own wife and children, as he thought they were his enemies.When he awakend, from his insanity, was shocked and upset by what he'd done. He prayed to god Apollo and the god's oracle in Delphi, told him he would have to serve Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae, for twelve years in punishment for his murders.As part of his sentence, Hercules had to perform Twelve Labors, so difficult that they seemed impossible. By the end of these Labors, Hercules, would be lead to

immortality.

The fi rst of his twelve trials was to kill the Nemean Lion in Korinthos. This monstrous lion was a problem for the people of Nemea, who couldn't kill it nor keep it away f rom killing them or their livestock.

When Hercules went to Nemea, made a heavy club, from the wild olive tree in the sacred city

grove and began tracking the terrible lion.

He soon discovered his arrows were useless against the beast, as its skin was too hard. So he

hit it with his club.

The lion was scared and ran in his cave which had two entrances.

Hercules, blocked off one of them and approached the fierce lion through the other.

Grasping the lion in his arms, he held it tightly until he chocked it to death. Then he put its skin

upon his back and returned to Mycanae.

        When Eurystheus saw him, was so frightened that he ordered to make a bronze jar buried partway in the earth where he could hide from Hercules if need be.