Who doesn’t know Hercules, right? Most of us grew up reading (or watching) his epic feats. That demi‑god with super strength made his mark from day one. Legend says, as an infant, he strangled two snakes Hera sent to his cradle.
Clearly, the tiny tyke knew he was born for more than mere babyhood. But what really defines the mythological superhero is the twelve labours he undertook to redeem himself. These trials weren’t just epic challenges. They shaped a legend.
So scroll down, pick your favorite labour, and let’s see which myth stands tall on polling.gr!
The 12 Labours of Hercules
1) Nemean Lion
Raised by Hera, the Nemean Lion terrorized both beasts and people around Nemea. Hercules didn’t take it lightly. He first tried arrows, then a club, and finally, his bare hands. Literally. After a brutal fight, he strangled the beast. Then, with ultimate swag, he skinned it using its own claws. Since then, he rocked the lion’s hide as his signature armor. If there’s any labour that screams, “I’m Hercules and I can,” this is it.
2) Lernaean Hydra
This swamp-dwelling horror was no joke. The Hydra sprouted two heads for every one Hercules chopped off. Teamwork saved the day. His nephew Iolaus burnt each neck stump to stop the regeneration. Finally, Hercules buried the immortal head and dipped his arrows in Hydra poison. Talk about turning your enemy’s venom into your weapon! This labour is all about persistence and strategy, when brute force alone won’t cut it.
3) Ceryneian Hind
Next, he had to capture a deer so fast that no arrow could hit it — and sacred to Artemis, no less. So how do you catch it without earning divine wrath? A year-long chase literally until the deer got tired at the North Pole (I mean, Hyperborea). Hercules captured it, and then gracefully let it go before presenting it to Eurystheus. Genius move. A lesson in endurance, respect, and brains over brawn.
4) Erymanthian Boar
The boar terrorized the countryside, and facing it head-on was a recipe for disaster. So Hercules baited it into a mountain trap and captured it alive. Mythologically, it’s the triumph of human cleverness harnessing untamed natural power. A hero taming chaos, not destroying it. Bravo.
5) Augean Stables
Clean-up duty like you’ve never seen: Heracles had to clean 3,000 cows’ stables in a single day. His solution? Reroute two rivers to wash out the filth in one slick sweep. Instant legend. The bigger lesson: When Everest appears, sometimes it’s best to move the river, not the mountain.
6) Stymphalian Birds
These weren’t your average birds. They had bronze beaks, toxic droppings, and were protected by Ares. Hercules couldn’t get near the swamp, so Athena handed him a rattle. Scare them into the air, then shoot them down like the badass archer he is. Mythology meets wildlife control.
7) Cretan Bull
A rampaging beast causing havoc? No problem! Hercules wrestles it, hauls it across the sea, and presents it alive. Like a divine lion tamer with muscles and patience.
8) Mares of Diomedes
These were man-eating horses. Yes, you read that right. Heracles tamed them by throwing their owner (Diomedes) to the beasts before feeding them bread with his own plan. Crude? Sure. Heroic? Definitely. Next-level trap.
9) Belt of Hippolyta
He redid diplomacy, wooed the Amazon queen, and left with her belt… until meddling gods stirred conflict. Cue the epic battle dance. A story of charm, betrayal, and swordplay. All wrapped around a stylish accessory.
10) Cattle of Geryon
He traveled west, defeated Geryon (a three-bodied giant), and brought back the stolen cattle. All under constant mythic threats and detours. A cosmic road trip with legendary side quests.
11) Golden Apples of the Hesperides
He freed Prometheus, cleverly tricked Atlas into fetching apples for him, and took off with his hands free. Mythological pull-up challenge? More like a tactical flex.
12) Cerberus
Final boss unlocked: go to the underworld and bring back Cerberus, the triple-headed hellhound, alive. No Batman suit needed, just guts and strength. He nabbed it, returned it, and closed his redemption circle with God-mode on.
