He went first to Thessaly, where dwelt the giant Termerus, who with his skull knocked to death every traveler that he met but on the mighty cranium of Hercules the head of the giant himself was split open.įarther on the hero came upon another monster in his way Cycnus, the son of Mars and Pyrene. The hero set out on his long and adventurous journey and placed himself in the hands of blind chance, for he did not know where the Hesperides dwelt. From this monster, so was the command of Eurystheus, should Hercules seize the golden apples. Sleep came never to the eyes of this dragon and a fearful hissing sound warned one of his presence, for each of his hundred throats had a different voice. So she caused to spring forth on the western borders of the great world-sea a many-branched tree full of golden apples.įour maidens called the Hesperides, daughters of Night, were the guardians of this sacred garden, and with them watched the hundred-headed dragon, Ladon, whose father was Phorkys, the parent of many monsters. The Myth of the Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the HesperidesĪt the celebration of the marriage of Jupiter and Juno, when all the gods were bringing their wedding gifts to the happy pair, Mother Earth did not wish to be left out. The mythical story of the Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the Hesperides Additional facts and information about the mythology and legends of individual gods and goddesses of these ancient civilizations can be accessed via the following links: The amazing story of the Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the Hesperides really is easy reading for kids and children who are learning about the history, myths and legends of the ancients. Discover the myths about the ancient gods, goddesses, demigods and heroes and the terrifying monsters and creatures they encountered on their perilous journeys and quests. The short mythical story of the Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the Hesperides is one of the famous legends about Hercules, also referred to as Heracles, that feature in the mythology of ancient civilizations. Read about the myth story of the Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the HesperidesĮleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the Hesperides In doing so, he allowed Hercules to retrieve the Apples, make good his escape and carry them back to Eurystheus.īecause the Apples belonged to the gods, they could not remain with Eurystheus and so he had to return them to Athena, who took them back to the garden at the northern edge of the world.The Eleventh Labor of Hercules, the Apples of the Hesperides Atlas put the apples on the ground, and lifted the burden onto his own shoulders. Hercules slyly agreed, but asked Atlas whether he could take it back again, just for a moment, while he put some soft padding on his shoulders to help him bear the weight of the sky and the earth. On returning with the golden apples, Atlas told Hercules he would take them to Eurystheus himself, and asked Hercules to stay there and hold the heavy load for the rest of time. He would have to send Atlas after them, instead of going himself.Ītlas hated holding up the sky and the earth so much so, that he agreed to the task of fetching the apples, if Hercules would carry the burden of the world. Hercules slew the eagle and in gratitude, Prometheus told Hercules the secret to getting the apples. He was bound to the mountain, and every day a monstrous eagle came and ate his liver, at night, Prometheus' liver grew back, and the next day he had to endure the eagle's painful visit all over again. Prometheus, who had stolen the secret of fire from the Gods, was sentenced by Zeus to a horrible fate. But Hercules escaped, killing Busiris, and continued his journey.Įventually he came to the rock on Mount Caucasus where Prometheus was chained. Later, Hercules was captured by Busiris, another of Poseidon's sons, and was led to an altar to be a human sacrifice. Once he had the location, he continued, beset with dangers, Hercules was stopped by Antaeus, the son of the sea god, Poseidon, who also challenged Hercules to fight. After journeying through many lands Hercules arrived in Illyria, where he seized the sea-god Nereus, who knew the garden's secret location. The first task in the quest was to find the location of the Garden.
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