Hercules, Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio, 1526, Graphic Art, Copper Engraving, Hercules was given the task of slaying a lion that was ravaging the area around the Greek city of Nemea. The lion was unhurt when he struck it with his club. But Hercules’ reputation as a brave hero with colossal physical strength started when he strangled the lion with his bare hands instead. This was the first of altogether twelve tasks he was ordered to fulfil after having killed his own children in an outburst of anger. The punishment, decreed by the Delphic oracle, was that for twelve years

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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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