Another son of the all-powerful Zeus is the most famous classical hero and demi-god, Hercules. Like Achilles, he was also taught in the arts of weaponry by Chiron, the learned Centaur. Even as a child Hercules possessed super-human strength and was a talented archer and wrestler. He endured a tragic life in which he murdered Linus, his childhood lyre teacher, and the four sons he bore to his wife Megara. As penance for his crimes, King Eurethsus ordered to complete twelve labours testing his strength, courage and cunning.
Hans Sebald Beham depicts Hercules’ first labour for which he was sent to the region of Nemea to slay a lion that ravaged the surrounding territory. Because of the lion’s tough hide, Hercules’ weapons were useless against the creature and he finally strangled it with his bare hands. Hercules is often portrayed wearing the skin of the defeated creature, making him, like the lion, invulnerable.
