Hercules

Hercules and the Hydra, a painting by Antonio del Pollaiolo. Now it is in the Uffizi in Florence

Hercules is a hero in Roman mythology. He is a mortal son of Jupiter. Hercules is known for his great strength. In Greek mythology he is named Herakles, but he has some different stories.

The twelve tasks

In one of the more well known stories of Hercules, he had to complete twelve tasks. These tasks were:

• Kill the Nemean Lion and bring back its fur.
• Kill the Lernaean Hydra.
• Capture the Ceryneian Hind.
• Capture the Erymanthian Boar.
• Clean the Augean stables in a single day.
• Kill the Stymphalian Birds.
• Capture the Cretan Bull.
• Steal the Mares of Diomedes.
• Get the Girdle of Hippolyte.
• Get the Cows of Geryon.
• Steal the Apples of the Hesperides.
• Capture Cerberus, the guardian dog of The Underworld and bring him back.

Other versions

Hercules is also a character in Marvel Comics. He was an ally of the mighty Thor. He is the leader and a founding member of the super team the Champions. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962.