By the end of this section, you will understand the context of why Heracles had to perform the labours, analyse how he overcame each of the first six challenges, and evaluate why two labours were discounted by Eurystheus.
From Madness to Redemption
Following the murder of his family in a fit of madness sent by Hera, Heracles sought purification at the Oracle at Delphi. The Pythia commanded him to serve his cowardly cousin King Eurystheus of Tiryns for twelve years and perform whatever labours were demanded.
The Pythia told him to dwell in Tiryns, serving Eurystheus for twelve years and to perform the labours imposed upon him, and thus, she said, when the labours were accomplished, he would be immortal.
— Pseudo-Apollodorus, Library 2.4.12
This servitude was both punishment and path to redemption. Through suffering and service, Heracles would purify himself of his terrible crime and prove himself worthy of divinity. But Eurystheus, jealous of his cousin's strength and fearful of his power, would set increasingly impossible challenges.
Why Twelve Labours?
Originally there were only ten labours
King Eurystheus discounted two of them, forcing Heracles to complete two additional tasks.
2
The Lernaean Hydra
Eurystheus claimed this didn't count because Heracles had help from his nephew Iolaus, who cauterised the neck stumps to prevent heads from regrowing.
5
The Augean Stables
Eurystheus refused to count this because King Augeas had offered payment for the work (though he later refused to pay), making it a job rather than a labour.
Because of these disqualifications, Eurystheus demanded two additional labours, extending Heracles' service and sending him on even more dangerous quests. This teaches us something important: even in mythology, the rules could be bent. Eurystheus used technicalities to extend Heracles' suffering, showing the taskmaster's pettiness and cowardice.
The Peloponnesian Labours (1-6)
The first six labours took place relatively close to home, in and around the Peloponnese. These established Heracles' heroic credentials by eliminating local threats that had plagued Greece for years. Click each labour below to explore the challenge, solution, and significance.
Geographic Progression: Notice how these labours cover different regions of the Peloponnese - from Nemea in the northeast to Elis in the west, from Arcadia in the centre to Lerna near Argos. Heracles was literally cleansing the entire peninsula of monsters and threats, making it safe for civilisation.
Exit Questions
Test your understanding of the Peloponnesian labours and their significance.