Hercules and the Hydra

Hermles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology, was the strongest man on earth and supremely self-confident in his strength. He also had the greatness of soul to utterly repent for his wmngdoings. He was the son of Zeus, but his mother was not Zeus's wife, Hera fluno). In a fit of madness caused by Hera, Hercules murded his own wife and three children. Once recovenxi from the madness, he sought advice from the oracle at Delphos on how to purify himself. He was urged to submit to penances devised by his cousin Eurystheus. These penances became known as the twelve Labors of Hercules [Hamilton 1964,159-1721.