NEMEAN LION (the lion whose hide no weapon could pierce)
Monster · the lion killed by Hercules
- Parents
- Typhon, Echidna
- Siblings
- Cerberus, Hydra
- Haunts and cult places
- Olympia
- In the sources
- 7 ancient passages
The lion was an invulnerable beast that was the offspring of Typhon. Apollodorus 2.5.1
Powers
The lion held power over Tretus of Nemea and Apesas. The Theogony ll. 306-332
In the myths
Heracles performed an exploit against the Nemean lion. Pausanias 5.11.5 +1 Hera raised the lion and caused it to inhabit the hills of Nemea. The Theogony ll. 306-332 Heracles carried the dead lion on his shoulders to Cleonae. Apollodorus 2.5.1 Heracles eventually brought the lion to Mycenae to show his labor to Eurystheus. Apollodorus 2.5.1 It preyed upon the local tribes of people. The Theogony ll. 306-332 The lion took refuge in a cave that had two entrances. Apollodorus 2.5.1 Heracles shot an arrow at the lion but found it ineffective due to its invulnerability. Apollodorus 2.5.1 Heracles blocked one cave entrance and entered through the other to confront the beast. Apollodorus 2.5.1 Heracles strangled the lion by wrapping his arm around its neck until it died. Apollodorus 2.5.1 Heracles crushed the carcass of the Nemean lion with his own arms. Ovid Met. 9.101-272 (5)
Fate
The strength of Heracles ultimately overcame the lion. The Theogony ll. 306-332