Section 24 of Myths and Legends. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E. M. Behrens. The Argonauts. Asin, king of Yolkis, was forced to fly from his dominions, which had been usurped by his younger brother, Palaeus, and with difficulty succeeded in saving the life of his young son, Jason, who was at that time only ten years of age. He entrusted him to the care of the centaur Chiron, by whom he was carefully trained and company with other noble youths, who, like himself, afterwards, signalized themselves by their bravery and heroic exploits. For ten years, Jason remained in the cave of the centaur, by whom he was instructed in all useful and warlike arts. But, as he approached manhood, he became filled with an unconquerable desire to regain his paternal inheritance. He therefore took leave of his kind friend and preceptor, and set out for Yolkis to demand from his uncle Palaeus the kingdom which he had so unjustly usurped. In the course of his journey he came to a broad and foaming river on the banks of which he perceived an old woman, who implored him to help her across. At first he hesitated, knowing that even alone he would find some difficulty in stemming the fierce torrent. But, pitying her for law and condition, he raced her in his arms and succeeded, with a great effort in reaching the opposite shore. But as soon as her feet had touched the earth, she became transformed into a beautiful woman, who, looking kindly at the bewildered youth, informed him that she was the goddess Hera, and that she would henceforth guide and protect him throughout his career. She then disappeared and, full of hope and courage, at his divine manifestation, Jason pursued his journey. He now perceived that, in crossing the river, he had lost one of his sandals, but as it could not be recovered, he was obliged to proceed without it. On his arrival at Yolkis, he found his uncle in the marketplace, offering up a public sacrifice to Poseidon. When the king had concluded his offering, his eye fell upon the distinguished stranger, whose manly beauty and heroic bearing had already attracted the attention of his people. Observing that one foot was unshot, he was reminded of an oracular prediction which foretold to him the loss of his kingdom by a man wearing only one sandal. He, however, disguised his fears, conversed kindly with the youth, and drew from him his name and errand. Then, pretending to be highly pleased with his nephew, Goliath entertained him sumptuously for five days, during which time all was festivity and rejoicing. On the sixth, Jason appeared before his uncle, and with manly firmness demanded from him the throne and kingdom which were his by right. Goliath, assembling his true feelings, smilingly consented to grant his request, provided that, in return, Jason would undertake an expedition for him which his advanced age prevented him from accomplishing himself. He informed his nephew that the shade of Phryxes had appeared to him in his dreams, and entreated him to bring back from Colchis his mortal remains and the golden fleece, and added that if Jason succeeded in obtaining for him these sacred relics, throne, kingdom, and scepter would be his. Story of the Golden Fleece But the watchful Nepheli contrived to circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in getting the children out of the palace. She then placed them both on the back of a winged ram with a fleece of pure gold, which had been given to her by Hermes, and on this wonderful animal brother and sister rode through the air over land and sea. But on the way, Heli, becoming seized with giddiness, fell into the sea, called after her the hellish pond, and was drowned. Phryxes arrived safely at Colchis, where he was hospitably received by King Aetis, who gave him one of his daughters in marriage. In gratitude to Zeus for the protection accorded him during his flight, Phryxes sacrificed to him the golden ram, whilst the fleece he presented to Aetis, who nailed it up in the Grove of Ares, and dedicated it to the God of War. An oracle having declared that the life of Aetis depended on the safekeeping of the fleece, he carefully guarded the entrance to the Grove by placing before it an immense dragon which never slept. Building and Launch of the Argo We will now return to Jason, who eagerly undertook the perilous expedition proposed to him by his uncle, who, well aware of the dangers attending such an enterprise, hoped by this means to rid himself forever of the unwelcome intruder. Jason accordingly began to arrange his plans without delay, and invited the young heroes whose friendship he had formed whilst under the care of Chiron to join him in the perilous expedition. None refused the invitation, all feeling honored at being allowed the privilege of taking part in so noble and heroic an undertaking. Jason now applied to Argos one of the cleverest shipbuilders of this time, who, under the guidance of Palistheni, built for him a splendid fifty-ord galley which was called the Argo after the builder. In the upper deck of the vessel, the goddess had embedded a board from the speaking oak of the oracle of Zeus at Odona, which ever retained its powers of prophecy. The exterior of the ship was ornamented with magnificent carvings, and the whole vessel was so strongly built that it defied the power of the winds and waves and was, nevertheless, so light that the heroes, when necessary, were able to carry it on their shoulders. When the vessel was completed, the Argonauts, so-called after their ship, assembled and their places were distributed by a lot. Jason was appointed commander-in-chief of the expedition. Typhus acted as Stearman, Lynsius as Pilate. In the bow of the vessel sat the renowned hero Heracles. In the stern, Palaeus, father of Achilles, and Telemon, the father of Ajax the Great. In the inner space were Castor and Pollux, Nelius, the father of Nestor, Admetis, the husband of Alsistis, Maligar, the slayer of the Caledonian Boar, Orpheus, the renowned singer, Menoctius, the father of Patroclus, Thesius, afterwards king of Athens, and his friend Pyrithius, the son of Ixion, Hylis, the adopted son of Heracles, Euphemus, the son of Poseidon, Orlius, father of Ajax the lesser, Zittis and Calais, the winged sons of Boreus, Idemon the Seer, the son of Apollo, Mopsis, the Thessalian prophet, etc., etc. Before their departure, Jason offered a solemn sacrifice to Poseidon and all the other seed deities. He also invoked the protection of Zeus and the Fates, and then Mopsis, having taken the augurus and found them auspicious, the heroes stepped on board. And now, a favorable breeze having sprung up, they take their allotted places, the anchor is weighed, and the ship glides like a bird out of the harbor into the waters of the Great Sea. Arrival at Lemnus The argo with her brave crew of fifty heroes was soon out of sight, and the sea breeze only wafted to the shore a faint echo of the sweet strains of Orpheus. For a time all went smoothly, but the vessel was soon driven by stress of weather to take refuge in a harbor in the island of Lemnus. This island was inhabited by women only, who, the year before, in a fit of mad jealousy, had killed all the male population of the island, with the exception of the father of the queen, Hipsipili. As the protection of their island now devolved upon themselves, they were always on the lookout for danger, when, therefore, they sighted the argo from afar, they armed themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any invasion of their territory. On arriving in port, the Argonauts astonished at beholding an armed crowd of women, dispatched a herald in one of their boats, bearing the staff of peace and friendship. Hipsipili, the queen, proposed that food and presents should be sent to the strangers in order to prevent their landing, but her old nurse, who stood beside her, suggested that this would be a good opportunity to provide themselves with noble husbands, who would act as their defenders, and thus put an end to their constant fears. Hipsipili listened attentively to the advice of her nurse, and after some consultation decided to invite the strangers into the city. Robed in his purple mantel, the gift of palace Athene, Jason, accompanied by some of his companions, stepped on shore where he was met by a deputation consisting of the most beautiful of the Lemnian women, and as commander of the expedition, was invited into the palace of the queen. When he appeared before Hipsipili, she was so struck with his godlike and heroic presence that she presented him with her father's scepter, and invited him to seat himself on the throne beside her. Jason, thereupon, took up his residence in the royal castle, whilst his companions scattered themselves through the town, spending their time in feasting and pleasure. Heracles, with a few chosen comrades, also remained on board. From day to day their departure was delayed, and the Argonauts in their new life of dissipation had almost forgotten the object of the expedition, when Heracles suddenly appeared amongst them, and at last recall them to a sense of their duty. Giants and the Lioness The Argonauts now pursued their voyage till contrary winds drove them toward an island, inhabited by the The Lioness, whose kings Scythicus received them with great kindness and hospitality. The The Lioness were descendants of Poseidon, who protected them against the frequent attacks of their fears and formidable neighbors, the earth-born giants, monsters with six arms. Whilst his companions were attending a banquet given by King Scythicus, Heracles, who as usual had remained behind to guard the ship, observed that these giants were busy blocking up the harbor with huge rocks. He at once realized the danger, and attacking them with his arrows succeeded in considerably thinning their numbers. Then, assisted by the heroes who at length came to his aid, he effectively destroyed the remainder. The Argonauts now steered out of the harbor and set sail, but in consequence of a severe storm which arose at night was driven back once more to the shores of the kindly The Lioness. Unfortunately, however, owing to the darkness of the night, the inhabitants failed to recognize their former guests, and mistaking them for enemies commenced to attack them. Those who had so recently parted as friends were now engaged in mortal combat, and in the battle which ensued, Jason himself pierced to the heart his friend King Scythicus, whereupon the The Lioness, being deprived of their leader, fled to their city and closed the gates. When morning dawned and both sides perceived their error, they were filled with the deepest sorrow and remorse, and for three days the heroes remained with the The Lioness, celebrating the funeral rites of the slain with every demonstration of mourning and solemnity. Heracles left behind. The Argonauts once more set sail, and after a stormy voyage arrived at Messia, where they were hospitably received by the inhabitants who spread before them plentiful banquets and sumptuously regaled them. While his friends were feasting, Heracles, who had declined to join them, went into the forest to seek a fir tree which he required for an oar, and was missed by his adopted son, Hylas, who set out to seek him. When the youth arrived at a spring in the most secluded part of the forest, the nymph of the fountain was so struck by his beauty that she drew him down beneath the waters, and he was seen no more. Polyphemus, one of the heroes who happened to be also in the forest, heard his cry for help, and on meeting Heracles informed him of the circumstance. They at once set out in search of the missing youth, no traces of whom were to be found, and whilst they were engaged looking for him, the Argos set sail and left them behind. The ship had proceeded some distance before the absence of Heracles was observed. Some of the heroes were in favor of returning for him. Others wished to proceed on their journey, when, in the midst of a dispute, the sea-god Clocus arose from the waves and informed them that it was the will of Zeus that Heracles, having another mission to perform, should remain behind. The Argonauts continued their voyage without their companions. Heracles returned to Argos, whilst Polyphemus remained with the Messians, where he founded a city and became its king. Contest with Amicus Next morning the Argo touched at the country of the Bebri-Sians, whose king Amicus was a famous feudalist and permitted no strangers to leave his shores without matching their strength with his. When the heroes therefore demanded permission to land, they were informed that they could only do so, provided that one of their number should engage in a boxing match with the king. Pollux, who was the best feudalist in Greece, was selected as their champion, and a contest took place which, after a tremendous struggle, proved fatal to Amicus, who had hitherto been victorious in all similar encounters. Phineas and the Harpies They now proceeded towards Bithynia, where reigned the blind old prophet king Phineas, son of Aginor. Phineas had been punished by the gods with premature old age and blindness for having abused the gift of prophecy. He was also tormented by the Harpies, who swooped down upon his food, which they either devoured or so defiled as to render it unfit to be eaten. This poor old man, trembling with the weakness of age and faint with hunger, appeared before the Argonauts and implored their assistance against the Swedish tormentors, whereupon Scythes and Calais, the winged sons of Boreas, recognizing in him the husband of their sister Cleopatra, affectionately embraced him and promised to rescue him from his painful position. The heroes prepared a banquet on the seashore to which they invited Phineas, but no sooner had he taken his place, then the Harpies appeared and devoured all the violins. Scythes and Calais now rose up into the air, drove the Harpies away, and were pursuing them with drawn swords, when Iris, the swift-footed messenger of the gods, appeared and desired them to desist from their work of vengeance, promising that Phineas should be no longer molested. Freed at length from his tormentors, the old man sat down and enjoyed a plentiful repast with his kind friends the Argonauts, who now informed him of the object of their voyage. In gratitude for his deliverance, Phineas gave them much useful information concerning their journey, and not only warned them of the many-fold dangers awaiting them, but also instructed them how they might be overcome. Passage of the Simple Gates After a fortnight's sojourn in Bithynia, the Argonauts once more set sail, but had not proceeded far on their course when they heard a fearful and tremendous crash. This was caused by the meeting of two great rocky islands, called the Simple Gates, which floated about in the sea and constantly met and separated. Before leaving Bithynia, the blind old seer Phineas had informed them that they would be compelled to pass between these two terrible rocks, and he instructed them how to do so with safety. As they now approached the scene of danger, they remembered his advice and acted upon it. Typhus, the steersman, stood at the helm, whilst Ephemis held in his hand a dove ready to bled loose, for Phineas had told them that if the dove ventured to fly through, they might safely follow. Ephemis now dispatched the bird, which passed swiftly through the islands, yet not without losing some of the feathers off her tail, so speedily that they reunite. Seizing the moment when the rocks once more separated, the Argonauts worked at their oars with all their might, and achieved the perilous passage in safety. After the miraculous passage of the Argo, the Simple Gates became permanently united and attached to the bottom of the sea. The Argo pursued her course along the southern coast of the Pontus and arrived at the islands of Arethias, which was inhabited by birds, who as they flew through the air discharged from their wings feathers sharp as arrows. As the ship was gliding along, Olius was wounded by one of these birds, whereupon the Argonauts held a council and by the advice of Amphidamus, an experienced hero, all put on their helmets and held up their glittering shields, uttering at the same time such fearful cries that the birds flew away in terror and the Argonauts were unable to land with safety on the island. Here they found four shipwrecked youths, who proved to be the sons of Friarix, and were greeted by Jason as his cousins. On ascertaining the object of the expedition, they volunteered to accompany the Argo and to show the heroes the way to Colchis. They also informed them that the Golden Fleece was guarded by a fearful dragon that King Aethys was extremely cruel and as the son of Apollo was possessed of superhuman strength. Arrival at Colchis Taking with them the four newcomers, they journeyed on and soon came in sight of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus, when towards evening the loud flapping of wings was heard overhead. It was the giant eagle of Prometheus on his way to torture the noble and long-suffering titan, whose fearful groans soon afterwards fell upon their ears. That night they reached their journey's end and anchored in the smooth waters of the river faces. On the left bank of this river they beheld Sota, the capital of Colchis, and on their right a wide field and the sacred grove of Ares, where the Golden Fleece suspended from a magnificent oak tree, was glittering in the sun. Jason now filled a golden cup with wine and offered a libation to Mother Earth, the gods of the country and the shades of those of the heroes who had died on the voyage. Next morning a council was held in which it was decided that before resorting to forcible measures, kind and conciliatory overtures should first be made to King Aethys in order to induce him to resign the Golden Fleece. It was arranged that Jason, with a few chosen companions, should proceed to the royal castle, leaving their remainder of the crew to guard the argo. Accompanied therefore by Pellamon and Oges and the four sons of Phryces, he set out for the palace. When they arrived inside of the castle they were struck by the vastness and massiveness of the building, at the entrance to which sparkling fountains played in the midst of luxuriant and park-like gardens. Here the king's daughters, Calciope and Medea, who were walking in the grounds of the palace, met them. The former, to her great joy, recognized in the youths who accompanied the hero her own long-lost sons, whom she had mourned as dead, whilst the young and lovely Medea was struck with the noble and manly form of Jason. The news of the return of the sons of Phryces soon spread through the palace and brought Aethys himself to the scene, whereupon the strangers were presented to him and were invited to a banquet which the king ordered to be prepared in their honor. All the most beautiful ladies of the court were present at this entertainment, but in the eyes of Jason none could compare with the king's daughter the young and lovely Medea. When the banquet was ended Jason related to the king his various adventures and also the object of his expedition with the circumstances which had led to his undertaking it. Aethys listened in silent indignation to this recital and then burst out into a torrent of inventives against the Argonauts and his grandchildren, declaring that the fleece was his rightful property and that on no consideration would he consent to relinquish it. Jason, however, with mild and persuasive words, contrived so far to conciliate him that he was induced to promise that if the heroes could succeed in demonstrating their divine origin by the performance of some task requiring superhuman power the fleece should be theirs. The task proposed by Aethys to Jason was that he should yoke the two brazen-footed fire-breathing oxen off the king which had been made for him by Hephaestus to his ponderous iron plow. In this he must still with them the stony fields of Ares and then so in the furrows the poisonous teeth of a dragon from which armed men would rise. These he must destroy to a man or he himself would perish at their hands. When Jason heard what was expected of him his heart for a moment sank within him but he determined nevertheless not to flint from his task but to trust to the assistance of the gods and to his own courage and energy. Jason plowsed the field of Ares. Accompanied by his two friends Ptolemon and Ogis and also by Argus, the son of Calciope, Jason returned to the vessel for the purpose of holding a consultation as to the best means of accomplishing these perilous feats. Argus explained to Jason all the difficulties of the superhuman task which lay before him and pronounced it as his opinion that the only means by which success was possible was to enlist the assistance of the Princess Medea, who was a priestess of Hecate and a great enchantress. His suggestion meeting with approval he returned to the palace and by the aid of his mother an interview was arranged between Jason and Medea which took place at an early hour next morning in the temple of Hecate. A confession of mutual attachment took place and Medea trembling for her lover's safety presented him with a magic salve which possessed the property of rendering any person anointed with it invulnerable for the space of one day against fire and steel and invincible against any adversary, however powerful. With this salve she instructed him to anoint his spear and shield on the day of his great undertaking. She further added that when, after having plowed the field and sewn the teeth, armed men should arise from the pharaohs, he must on no account lose heart but remember to throw among them a huge rock over the possession of which they would fight amongst themselves and their attention to them. As Jason being thus diverted he would find it an easy task to destroy them. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jason thanked her in the most earnest manner for her wise counsel and timely aid. At the same time he offered her his hand and promised her he would not return to Greece without taking her with him as his wife. Next morning, eighties in all the pomp of state, surrounded by his family and the members of his court, repaired to a spot whence a full view of the approaching spectacle could be obtained. Soon Jason appeared in the field of Aries, looking as noble and majestic as the god of war himself. In a distant part of the field the brazen yolks and the massive plow met his view, but as yet the dread animals themselves were nowhere to be seen. He was about to go in quest of them when they suddenly rushed out from a subterranean cave, breathing flames of fire and enveloped in a thick smoke. The friends of Jason trembled, but the undaunted hero relying on the magic powers with which he was imbued by Medea seized the oxen one after the other by the horns and forced them to the yolk. Near the plow was a helmet full of dragon's teeth, which he sewed as he plowed the field. Willed with sharp pricks from his lands, he compelled the monstrous creatures to draw the plow over the stony ground, which was thus speedily tilt. While Jason was engaged sewing the dragon's teeth in the deep furrows of the field, he kept a cautious lookout, lest the germinating giant brood might grow too quickly for him, and as soon as the four acres of land had been filled, he unyoked the oxen and succeeded in frightening them so effectively with his weapons that they rushed back in terror to their subterranean stables. Meanwhile armed men had sprung up out of the furrows and the whole field now bristled with lances, but Jason, remembering the instructions of Medea, seized an immense rock and hurled it into the midst of these earth-born warriors who immediately began to attack each other. Jason then rushed furiously upon them, and after a terrible struggle not one of the giants remained alive.  Jason secures the golden fleece. Becoming aware of the treacherous designs of her father, Medea at once took measures to baffle them. In the darkness of night she went on board the Argo and warned the heroes of their approaching danger. She then advised Jason to accompany her without loss of time to the sacred grove in order to possess himself of the long coveted treasure. They set out together, and Medea, followed by Jason, led the way and advanced boldly into the grove. The tall oak tree was soon discovered from the topmost boughs of which hung the beautiful golden fleece. At the foot of this tree, keeping his ever-wakeful watch, lay the dreadful, sleepless dragon, who at sight of them bounded forward, opening his huge jaws. Medea now called in to play her magic powers, and quietly approaching the monster threw over him a few drops of a potion which soon took effect and sent him into a deep sleep, whereupon Jason, seizing the opportunity, climbed the tree and secured the fleece. Their perilous task being now accomplished, Jason and Medea quitted the grove and hastened on board the Argo which immediately put to sea. Murder of Absurtus Meanwhile, Apes, having discovered the loss of his daughter and the golden fleece, dispatched a large fleet under the command of his son Absurtus in pursuit of the fugitives. After some days' sail, they arrived at an island at the mouth of the river Eister, where they found the Argo at anchor and surrounded her with their numerous ships. They then dispatched a herald on board of her, demanding the surrender of Medea and the fleece. Medea now consulted Jason and, with his consent, carried out the following stratagem. She sent a message to her brother Absurtus to the effect that she had been carried off against her will, and promised that if he would meet her in the darkness of night in the temple of Artemis, she would assist him in regaining possession of the golden fleece. Relying on the good faith of his sister, Absurtus fell into the snare and duly appeared at the appointed, twisting place, and Will's Medea kept her brother engaged in conversation. Jason rushed forward and slew him. Then, according to a pre-concerted signal, he held aloft a littered torch whereupon the Argonauts, a tactical kins, put them to flight and entirely defeated them. The Argonauts now returned to their ship when the prophetic board from the Dodean Oak thus addressed them. The cruel murder of Absurtus was witnessed by the Aronies, and you will not escape the wrath of Zeus until the goddess Cersei has purified you from your crime. Let Caster and Pollux pray to the gods that you may be enabled to find the abode of the sorceress. In obedience to the boys, the twin brothers invoked divine assistance, and the heroes set out in search of the Isle of Cersei. They arrive at the island of Cersei. The good ship Argo sped on her way, and after passing safely through the foaming waters of the river Erydenus, at length arrived in the harbor of the island of Cersei, where she cast anchor. Commanding his companions to remain on board, Jason landed with Medea and conducted her to the palace of the sorceress. The goddess of charms and magic arts received them kindly and invited them to be seated, but instead of doing so they assumed a supplicating attitude and humbly besought her protection. They then informed her of the dreadful crime which they had committed and implored her to purify them from it. This Cersei promised to do. She forthwith commanded her attendant Nades to kindle the fire on the altar and to prepare everything necessary for the performance of the mystic rites, after which a dog was sacrificed and the sacred cakes were burned. Having thus newly purified the criminals, she severely reprimanded them for the horrible murder of which they had been guilty. Whereupon Medea, with veiled head and weeping bitterly, was reconducted by Jason to the Argo. Further adventures of the Argonauts. Having left the island of Cersei, they were waved by gentle Zephyrs towards the abode of the Sirens, whose enticing strains soon fell upon their ears. The Argonauts, powerfully affected by the melody, were making ready to land when Orpheus perceived danger and, to the accompaniment of his magic lyre, commenced one of his enchanting songs which so completely absorbed his listeners that they passed the island in safety. But not before Butes, one of their number, lured by the seductive music of the Sirens, had sprung from the vessel into the waves below. Aphrodite, however, in pity for his youth, landed him gently on the island of Libibyn before the Sirens could reach him, and there he remained for many years. And now the Argonauts approached new dangers, for on one side of them seathed and foamed the whirlpool of Sharbdis, whist on the other towered the mighty rock whence the monster Scylla swooped down upon unfortunate mariners. But here the goddess Hera came to their assistance, and sent to them the sea-nymph Thethys, who guided them safely through these dangerous straits. The Argonauts next arrived at the island of Faces, where they were hospitably entertained by King Alsinus and his queen Ariti. But the banquet prepared for them by their kind host was unexpectedly interrupted by the appearance of a large army of colchins sent by Aetis to demand the restoration of his daughter. Medea threw herself at the feet of the queen and implored her to save her from the anger of her father, and Ariti in her kindness of heart promised her her protection. Next morning, in an assembly of the people at which the colchins were invited to be present, the latter were informed that, as Medea was the lawful wife of Jason, they could not consent to deliver her up. Whereupon the colchins, seeing that the resolution of the king was not to be shaken and fearing to face the anger of Aetis, should they return to Colchis without her, sought permission of Alsinus to settle in his kingdom, which request was accorded them. After these events the Argonauts once more set sail and steered for Yulchis, but in the course of a terrible and fearful night, a mighty storm arose, and in the morning they found themselves stranded on the treacherous quicksands of Certes on the shores of Libya. Here all was a waste and barren desert, unpenanted by any living creature, save the venomous snakes which had sprung from the blood of the Medusa when born by Perseus over these arid plains. They had already passed several days in this abode of desolation beneath the rays of the scorching sun, and had abandoned themselves to the deepest despair when the Libyan queen, who was a prophetess of divine origin, appeared to Jason and informed him that a sea horse would be sent by the gods to act as his guide. Scarcely had she departed when a gigantic hippocamp was seen in the distance making its way towards the Argo. Jason now related to his companions, the particulars, of his interview with the Libyan prophetess, and after some deliberation it was decided to carry the Argo on their shoulders and to follow wherever the sea horse should lead them. They then commenced a long and weary journey through the desert, and at last, after twelve days of severe toil and terrible suffering, the welcome sight of the sea greeted their view. In gratitude for having been saved from their many full dangers, they offered up sacrifices to the gods and launched their ship once more into the deep waters of the ocean. Arrival at Crete With heartfelt joy and gladness, they proceeded on their homeward voyage and after some days arrived at the island of Crete, where they purposed to furnish themselves with fresh provisions and water. Their landing, however, was opposed by a terrible giant who guarded the island against all intruders. This giant, whose name was Talus, was the last of the brazen race, and being formed of brass was invulnerable, except in his right ankle, where there was a sinew of flesh in a vein of blood. As he saw the Argo nearing the coast, he hurled huge rocks at her which would inevitably have sunk the vessel had not the crew beat a hasty retreat. Although sadly in want of food and water, the Argonauts had decided to proceed on their journey rather than face so powerful an opponent. When Medea came forward and assured them that if they would trust to her she would destroy the giant. Enveloping the folds of a rich purple mantle she stepped on deck and after invoking the aid of the Fates, uttered a magic incantation which had the effect of throwing Talus into a deep sleep. He stretched himself at full length upon the ground and in doing so grazed his vulnerable ankle against the point of a sharp rock whereupon a mighty stream of blood gushed forth from the wound. Awaken by the pain he tried to rise but in vain and with a mighty groan of anguish the giant fell dead and his enormous body rolled heavily over into the deep. The heroes being now able to land provisioned their vessel after which they resumed their homeward voyage. Arrival at Yoltus After a terrible night of storm and darkness they passed the island of Vigina and at length reached in safety the port of Yoltus where the recital of their numerous adventures and hare-breath escapes was listened to with wandering admiration by their fellow countrymen. The Argo was consecrated to Poseidon and was carefully preserved for many generations till no vestige of it remained when it was placed in the heavens as a brilliant constellation. On his arrival at Yoltus Jason conducted his beautiful bride to the palace of his uncle Palaeus taking with him the golden fleece for the sake of which this perilous expedition had been undertaken. But the old king who had never expected that Jason would return alive basely refused to fulfill his part of the compact and the client to abdicate the throne. Indignant at the wrongs of her husband Medea avenged them in a most shocking manner. She made friends with the daughters of the king and feigned great interest in all their concerns. Having gained their confidence she informed them that among her numerous magic arts she possessed the power of restoring to the aged all the vigor and strength of youth. And in order to give them a convincing proof of the truth of her assertion she cut up an old ram which she boiled in a cauldron whereupon after uttering various mystic incantations there came forth from the vessel a beautiful young lamb. She then assured them that in a similar manner they could restore to their old father his former youthful frame and vigor. The fond and credulous daughters of Palaeus lent an all too willing ear to the wicked sorceress and thus the old king perished at the hands of his innocent children. Death of Jason Medea and Jason now fled with Corinth where at length they found for a time peace and tranquility their happiness being completed by the birth of three children. As time passed on however and Medea began to lose the beauty which had won the love of her husband he grew weary of her and became attracted by the youthful charms of Claus the beautiful daughter of Creon king of Corinth. Jason had obtained her father's consent to their union and the wedding day was already fixed before he disclosed to Medea the treachery which he mediated against her. He used all his persuasive powers in order to induce her to consent to his union with Claus assuring her that his affection had in no way diminished. But that for the sake of the advantages which would thereby accrue to their children he had decided on forming this alliance with the royal house. Though justly enraged at his deceitful conduct Medea dissembled her wrath and feigning to be satisfied with this explanation sent as a wedding gift to her rival a magnificent robe of cloth of gold. This robe was imbued with a deadly poison which penetrated to the flesh and bone of the wearer and burned them as though with a consuming fire. Pleased with the beauty and costliness of the garment the unsuspecting Claus lost no time in donning it but no sooner had she done so than the fell poison began to take effect. In vain she tried to tear the robe away. It defied all efforts to be removed and after horrible and protracted sufferings she expired. Maddened at the loss of her husband's love Medea next put to death her three sons and when Jason thirsting for revenge left the chamber of his dead bride and flew to his own house in search of Medea the ghastly spectacle of his murdered children met his view. He rushed frantically to seek the murderous but nowhere could she be found. At length hearing a sound above his head he looked up and beheld Medea gliding through the air in a golden chariot drawn by dragons. In a fit of despair Jason threw himself on his own sword and perished on the threshold of his desolate and deserted home. End of Section 24 Section 25 Part 1 of Myths and Legends Section 25 Part 1 Legends Pelops Pelops the son of the cruel tantalus was a pious and virtuous prince. After his father was banished into Tartarus a war ensued between Pelops and the king of Troy in which the former was vanquished and forced to fly from his dominions in Phrygia. He emigrated into Greece where at the court of Enemaeus king of Elis he beheld Hippodamia the king's daughter whose beauty won his heart.  The conditions of the contest were as follows. The race was to be run from a given point at Pisa to the altar of Poseidon at Corinth. The suitor was allowed to start on his course whilst Enemaeus performed his sacrifice to Zeus and only on its completion did the king mount his chariot guided by the skilful Myrtulus and drawn by his two famous horses Phylla and Harpinna who surpassed in swiftness the winds themselves. In this manner many a gallant young prince had perished for although a considerable start was given to all competitors still Enemaeus with his swift team always overtook them before they reached the goal and killed them with his spear. But the love of Pelops for Hippodemia overcame all fears and undeterred by the terrible fate of his predecessors he announced himself to Enemaeus as a suitor for the hand of his daughter. On the eve of the race Pelops repaired to the seashore and earnestly implored Poseidon to assist him in his perilous undertaking. The seagod heard his prayer and sent him out of the deep a chariot drawn by two winged horses. When Pelops appeared on the course the king at once recognized the horses of Poseidon but nothing daunted he relied on his own supernatural team and the contest was allowed to proceed. Whilst the king was offering his sacrifice to Zeus Pelops set out on the race and had nearly reached the goal when turning round he beheld Enemaeus spear in hand who with his magic steeds had nearly overtaken him. But in this emergency Poseidon came to the aid of the son of Tantalus. He caused the fields of the royal chariot to fly off whereupon the king was thrown out violently and killed on the spot just as Pelops arrived at the altar of Poseidon. As the hero was about to return to Pisa to claim his bride he beheld in the distance flames issuing from the royal castle which at that instant had been struck by lightning. With his winged horses he flew to rescue his lovely bride and succeeded in extricating her uninjured from the burning building. They soon afterwards became united and Pelops reigned in Pisa for many years in great splendor. Heracles or Hercules. Heracles the most renowned hero of antiquity was the son of Zeus and Alcmini and the great grandson of Perseus. At the time of his birth Alcmini was living at Thebes with her husband Amphitrion and thus the infant Heracles was born in the palace of his stepfather. Aware of the animosity with which Hera persecuted all those who rivaled her in the affections of Zeus, Alcmini, fearful lest this hatred should be visited on her innocent child, entrusted him soon after his birth to the care of a faithful servant with instructions to expose him in a certain field and there leave him, feeling assured that the divine offspring of Zeus would not long remain without the protection of the gods. Soon after the child had been thus abandoned Hera and Pallas Athenae happened to pass by the field and were attracted by its cries. Athenae pityingly took up the infant in her arms and prevailed upon the queen of heaven to put it to her breast, but no sooner had she done so than the child causing her pain she angrily threw him to the ground and left the spot. Athenae moved with compassion, carried him to Alcmini and entreated her kind offices on behalf of the poor little foundling. Alcmini at once recognized her child and joyfully accepted the charge. Soon afterwards Hera, to her extreme annoyance, discovered whom she had nursed and became filled with jealous rage. She now sent two venomous snakes into the chamber of Alcmini which crept unperceived by the nurses to the cradle of the sleeping child. He awoke with a cry and grasping a snake in each hand strangled them both. Alcmini and her attendants, whom the cry of the child had awakened, rushed to the cradle where, to their astonishment and terror, they beheld the two reptiles dead in the hands of the infant Heracles. Amphitrean was also attracted to the chamber by the commotion and when he beheld this astounding proof of supernatural strength, he declared that the child must have been sent to him as a special gift from Zeus. He accordingly consulted the famous seer Tiresias, who now informed him of the divine origin of his stepson, and prognosticated for him a great and distinguished future. Phwen Amphitrean heard the noble destiny which awaited the child entrusted to his care. He resolved to educate him in a manner worthy of his future career. At a suitable age he himself taught him how to guide a chariot, Eurytus how to handle the bow, Autolicus, dexterity and wrestling and boxing, and Castor the art of armed warfare, whilst Linus, the son of Apollo, instructed him in music and letters. Heracles was an apt pupil, but undue harshness was intolerable to his high spirit, and old Linus, who was not the gentlest of teachers, one day corrected him with blows, whereupon the boy angrily took up his lyre, and with one stroke of his powerful arm killed his tutor on the spot. Apprehensive lest the ungovernable temper of the youth might again involve him in similar acts of violence, Amphitrean sent him into the country where he placed him under the charge of one of his most trusted herdsmen. Here, as he grew up to manhood, his extraordinary stature and strength became the wonder and admiration of all beholders. His aim, whether with spear, lance or bow, was unearing, and at the age of 18 he was considered to be the strongest as well as the most beautiful youth in all Greece. The Choice of Heracles Heracles felt that the time had now arrived when it became necessary to decide for himself how to make use of the extraordinary powers with which he had been endowed by the gods, and in order to meditate in solitude on this all-important subject, he repaired to a lonely and secluded spot in the heart of the forest. Here two females of great beauty appeared to him. One was Vise, the other Virtue.  Vise stepped forward and thus addressed him. If you will walk in my paths and make me your friend, your life shall be one round of pleasure and enjoyment. You shall taste of every delight which can be procured on earth. The choicest vines, the most delicious wines, the most luxuriant of couches shall be ever at your disposal, and all this without any exertion on your part, either physical or mental. Virtue now spoke in her turn. If you will follow me and be my friend, I promise you the reward of a good conscience and the love and respect of your fellow men. I cannot undertake to smooth your path with roses or to give you a life of idleness and pleasure, for you must know that the gods grant no good and desirable thing that is not earned by labour, and as you so, so must you reap. Heracles listened patiently and attentively to both speakers, and then, after mature deliberation, decided to follow in the paths of Virtue and henceforth to honour the gods and to devote his life to the service of his country. Full of these noble resolves, he sought once more his rural home, where he was informed that on Mount Scythyrn, at the foot of which the herds of Amphitrion were grazing, a ferocious lion had fixed his lair, and was committing such frightful ravages among the flocks and herds that he had become the scourge and terror of the whole neighbourhood. Heracles at once armed himself and ascended the mountain, where he soon caught sight of the lion, and rushing at him with his sword, succeeded in killing him. The hide of the animal he wore ever afterwards over his shoulders, and the head served him as a helmet. As he was returning from this, his first exploit, he met the heralds of Argynous king of the Minions, who were proceeding to Thebes to demand their annual tribute of a hundred oxen. Indignant at this humiliation of his native city, Heracles mutilated the heralds and sent them back with ropes round their necks to their royal master. Argynous was so incensed at the ill treatment of his messengers, that he collected an army and appeared before the gates of Thebes, demanding the surrender of Heracles. Creon, who was at this time king of Thebes, fearing the consequences of a refusal, was about to yield, when the hero with the assistance of Amphitrion and a band of brave youths advanced against the Minions. Heracles took possession of a narrow defile through which the enemy were compelled to pass, and as they entered the pass the Thebans fell upon them, killed their king Argynous, and completely routed them. In this engagement Amphitrion, the kind friend and foster father of Heracles, lost his life. The hero now advanced upon Orcomanus, the capital of the Minions, where he burned the royal castle and sacked the town. After this signal victory all Greece rang with the fame of the young hero, and Creon in gratitude for his great services bestowed upon him his daughter Megara in marriage. The Olympian gods testified their appreciation of his valour by sending him presents. Hermes gave him a sword, Phoebus Apollo, a bundle of arrows, Hephaestus, a golden quiver, and Athene, a coat of leather, Heracles and Eurystheus. And now it will be necessary to retrace our steps. Just before the birth of Heracles Zeus, in an assembly of the gods, exultingly declared that the child who should be born on that day to the house of Perseus, should rule over all his race. When Hera heard her lord's boastful announcement, she knew well that it was for the child of the hated Alcmene that this brilliant destiny was designed, and in order to rob the son of her rival of his rights, she called to her aid the goddess Ilythea, who retarded the birth of Heracles, and caused his cousin Eurystheus another grandson of Perseus to precede him into the world. And thus, as the word of the mighty Zeus was irrevocable, Heracles became the subject and servant of his cousin Eurystheus. When, after his splendid victory over Aginus, the fame of Heracles spread throughout Greece, Eurystheus, who had become king of Mycenae, jealous of the reputation of the young hero, asserted his rights and commanded him to undertake for him various difficult tasks. But the proud spirit of the hero rebelled against this humiliation, and he was about to refuse compliance when Zeus appeared to him and desired him not to rebel against the fates. Heracles now repaired to Delphi in order to consult the oracle, and received the answer that after performing ten tasks for his cousin Eurystheus, his servitude would be at an end. Soon afterwards, Heracles fell into a state of the deepest melancholy, and through the influence of his inveterate enemy, the goddess Hera, this despondency developed into raving madness, in which condition he killed his own children. When he at length regained his reason, he was so horrified and grieved at what he had done that he shut himself up in his chamber and avoided all intercourse with men. But in his loneliness and seclusion, the conviction that work would be the best means of procuring oblivion of the past decided him to enter without delay upon the tasks appointed him by Eurystheus. 1. The Nemean Lion His first task was to bring to Eurystheus the skin of the much dreaded Nemean lion, which ravaged the territory between Cleone and Nemea, and whose hide was invulnerable against any mortal weapon. Heracles proceeded to the forest of Nemea, where, having discovered the lion's lair, he attempted to pierce him with his arrows. But finding these of no avail, he felled him to the ground with his club, and before the animal had time to recover from the terrible blow, Heracles seized him by the neck, and with a mighty effort, succeeded in strangling him. He then made himself a coat of mail of the skin and a new helmet of the head of the animal. Thus, atired, he so alarmed Eurystheus by appearing suddenly before him that the king concealed himself in his palace, and henceforth forbade Heracles to enter his presence, but commanded him to receive his behests for the future through his messenger, Coprius. 2. The Hydra His second task was to slay the Hydra, a monster serpent, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, bristling with nine heads, one of which was immortal. This monster infested the neighborhood of Lerna, where she committed great depredations among the herds. Heracles, accompanied by his nephew Iolaus, set out in the chariot for the marsh of Lerna in the slimy waters of which he found her. He commenced the attack by assailing her with his fierce arrows in order to force her to leave her lair, from which she at length emerged and sought refuge in a wood on a neighboring hill. Heracles now rushed forward and endeavored to crush her heads by means of well-directed blows from his tremendous club, but no sooner was one head destroyed than it was immediately replaced by two others. He next seized the monster in his powerful grasp, but at this juncture a giant crab came to the assistance of the Hydra and commenced biting the feet of her assailant. Heracles destroyed this new adversary with his club and now called upon his nephew to come to his aid. At his command Iolaus set fire to the neighboring trees and, with a burning branch, seared the necks of the monster as Heracles cut them off, thus effectively preventing the growth of more. Heracles next struck off the immortal head, which he buried by the roadside and placed over it a heavy stone. Into the poisonous blood of the monster he then dipped his arrows, which ever afterwards rendered wounds inflicted by them incurable. 3. The Horned Hind The third labour of Heracles was to bring the horned hind Sir Unitis alive to Mycenae. This animal, which was sacred to Artemis, had golden antlers and hoofs of brass. Not wishing to wound the hind, Heracles patiently pursued her through many countries for a whole year and overtook her at last on the banks of the river Leydon. But even there he was compelled, in order to secure her, to wound her with one of his arrows, after which he lifted her on his shoulders and carried her through Arcadia. On his way he met Artemis with her brother Phoebus Apollo, when the goddess angrily reproved him for wounding her favourite hind. But Heracles succeeded in appeasing her displeasure, whereupon she permitted him to take the animal alive to Mycenae. 4. The Arrimancian Boar The fourth task imposed upon Heracles by Eurystheus was to bring alive to Mycenae the Arrimancian Boar, which had laid waste to the region of Arrimancia and was the scourge of the surrounding neighbourhood. On his way thither he craved food and shelter of a centaur named Folus, who received him with generous hospitality setting before him a good and plentiful repast. When Heracles expressed his surprise that at such a well furnished board wine should be wanting, his host explained that the wine cellar was the common property of all the centaurs and that it was against the rules for a cask to be broached except all were present to partake of it. By dint of persuasion, however, Heracles prevailed on his kind host to make an exception in his favour. But the powerful, luscious odour of the good old wine soon spread over the mountains and brought large numbers of centaurs to the spot all armed with huge rocks and fir trees. Heracles drove them back with firebrands and then, following up his victory, pursued them with his arrows as far as Malia, where they took refuge in the cave of the kind old centaur Chiron. Unfortunately, however, as Heracles was shooting at them with his poisoned darts, one of these pierced the knee of Chiron. When Heracles discovered that it was the friend of his early days that he had wounded, he was overcome with sorrow and regret. He at once extracted the arrow and anointed the wound with a self, the virtue of which had been taught him by Chiron himself. But all his efforts were unavailing. The wound imbued with the deadly poison of the Hydra was incurable, and so great was the agony of Chiron that, at the intercession of Heracles, death was sent him by the gods. For otherwise, being immortal, he would have been doomed to endless suffering. Folus, who had so kindly entertained Heracles, also perished by means of one of these arrows which he had extracted from the body of a dead centaur. While he was quietly examining it, astonished that so small and insignificant an object should be productive of such serious results, the arrow fell upon his foot and fatally wounded him. Full of grief at this underworn event, Heracles buried him with due honours and then set out to chase the boar.  5. Cleansing the Stables of Orgias After slaying the Arrimancian boar, Euristius commanded Heracles to cleanse in one day the stables of Orgias. Orgias was a king of Elis who was very rich in herds. Three thousand of his cattle he kept near the royal palace in an enclosure where the refuse had accumulated for many years. When Heracles presented himself before the king and offered to cleanse his stables in one day, provided he should receive in return a tenth part of the herds, Orgias, thinking the feat impossible, accepted his offer in the presence of his son Phileus. Near the palace were the two rivers Penius and Alfius, the streams of which Heracles conducted into the stables by means of a trench which he dug for this purpose, and as the waters rushed through the shed, they swept away with them the whole mass of accumulated filth. But when Orgias heard that this was one of the labours imposed by Euristius, he refused the promised curtain. Heracles brought the matter before a court and called Phileus as a witness to the justice of his claim, whereupon Orgias, without waiting for the delivery of the verdict, angrily banished Heracles and his son from his dominions. Six. The Stemphalides The sixth task was to chase away the Stemphalides, which were immense birds of prey who, as we have seen in the legend of the Argonauts, shot from their wings feathers sharp as arrows. The home of these birds was on the shore of the lake Stemphalides in Arcadia, after which they were called, where they caused great destruction among men and cattle. On approaching the lake, Heracles observed great numbers of them, and while hesitating how to commence the attack, he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking round, he beheld the majestic form of Palassithini, who held in her hand a gigantic pair of brazen clappers made by Hephaestus, with which she presented him, whereupon he ascended to the summit of a neighbouring hill and commenced to rattle them violently. The shrill noise of these instruments was so intolerable to the birds that they rose into the air in terror, upon which he aimed at them with his arrows, destroying them in great numbers, whilst such as escaped his darts flew away, never to return. Seven. The Cretan Bull The seventh labour of Heracles was to capture the Cretan Bull. Minos, king of Crete, having vowed to sacrifice to Poseidon any animal which should first appear out of the sea, the god caused a magnificent bull to emerge from the waves in order to test the sincerity of the Cretan King, who, in making this vow, had alleged that he possessed no animal among his own herds worthy the acceptance of the mighty sea-god. Charmed with the splendid animal sent by Poseidon and eager to possess it, Minos placed it among his herds and substituted it as a sacrifice, one of his own bulls. Hereupon Poseidon, in order to punish the cupidity of Minos, caused the animal to become mad and commit such great havoc in the island as to endanger the safety of the inhabitants. When Heracles, therefore, arrived in Crete for the purpose of capturing the bull, Minos, far from opposing his design, gladly gave him permission to do so. The hero not only succeeded in securing the animal, but tamed him so effectively that he rode on his back right across the sea as far as the Peloponnesus. He now delivered him up to Eurystheus, who at once set him at liberty, after which he became as ferocious and wild as before, roamed all over Greece into Arcadia, and was eventually killed by Theseus on the plains of Marathon. 8. The Mares of Diomedes The eighth labour of Heracles was to bring to Eurystheus the Mares of Diomedes, a son of Ares and King of the Bistonians, a warlike Thracian tribe. This king possessed a breed of wild horses of tremendous size and strength, whose food consisted of human flesh, and all strangers who had the misfortune to enter the country were made prisoners and flung before the horses who devoured them. When Heracles arrived he first captured the cruel Diomedes himself and then threw him before his own mares, who after devouring their master became perfectly tame and tractable. They were then led by Heracles to the seashore when the Bistonians enraged at the loss of their king rushed after the hero and attacked him. He now gave the animals in charge of his friend Abdirus and made such a furious onslaught on his assailants that they turned and fled. But on his return from this encounter he found, to his great grief, that the mares had torn his friend in pieces and devoured him. After celebrating due funerial rights to the unfortunate Abdirus, Heracles built a city in his honour which he named after him. He then returned to Tirins where he delivered up the mares to Eurystheus who set them loose on Mount Olympus where they became the prey of wild beasts. It was after the performance of this task that Heracles joined the Argonauts in their expedition to gain possession of the Golden Fleece and was left behind at Chios as already narrated. During his wanderings he undertook his ninth labour which was to bring to Eurystheus the girdle of Hippolyte, Queen of the Amazons. End of Section 25 Part 1 Recording by Graham Redman Section 25 Part 2 of Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E. M. Barons Section 25 Part 2 The Labours of Heracles Continued 9. The Girdle of Hippolyte The Amazons who dwelt on the shores of the Black Sea near the River Thermodon were a nation of warlike women renowned for their strength, courage and great skill in horsemanship. Their Queen Hippolyte had received from her father Ares a beautiful girdle which she always wore as a sign of her royal power and authority and it was this girdle which Heracles was required to place in the hands of Eurystheus who designed it as a gift for his daughter, Admiti. For seeing that this would be a task of no ordinary difficulty the hero called to his aid a select band of brave companions with whom he embarked for the Amazonian town Themissaira. Here they were met by Queen Hippolyte who was so impressed by the extraordinary stature and noble bearing of Heracles that on learning his errand she at once consented to present him with the coveted girdle. But Hera, his implacable enemy, assuming the form of an Amazon, spread the report in the town that a stranger was about to carry off their Queen. The Amazons at once flew to arms and mounted their horses whereupon a battle ensued in which many of their bravest warriors were killed all wounded. Among the latter was their most skillful leader Melanipi whom Heracles afterwards restored to Hippolyte receiving the girdle in exchange. On his voyage home the hero stopped at Troy where a new adventure awaited him. During the time that Apollo and Poseidon were condemned by Zeus to a temporary servitude on earth they built for King Leomedon the famous walls of Troy afterwards so renowned in history. But when their work was completed the King treacherously refused to give them the reward due to them. The incensed deities now combined to punish the offender. Apollo sent a pestilence which decimated the people and Poseidon a flood which bore with it a marine monster who swallowed in his huge jaws all that came within his reach. In his distress Leomedon consulted an oracle and was informed that only by the sacrifice of his own daughter Hesione could the anger of the gods be appeased. Yielding at length to the urgent appeals of his people he consented to make the sacrifice and on the arrival of Heracles the maiden was already chained to a rock in readiness to be devoured by the monster. When Leomedon beheld the renowned hero whose marvellous feats of strength and courage had become the wonder and admiration of all mankind he earnestly implored him to save his daughter from her impending fate and to rid the country of the monster holding out to him as a reward the horses which Zeus had presented to his grandfather Tros in compensation for robbing him of his son Ganymede. Heracles unhesitatingly accepted the offer and when the monster appeared opening his terrible jaws to receive his prey the hero sword in hand attacked and slew him but the perfidious monarch once more broke faith and Heracles vowing future vengeance departed for Mycenae where he presented the girdle to Eurystheus. Ten. The Oxen of Gerionys. The tenth labour of Heracles was the capture of the magnificent oxen belonging to the giant Gerion or Gerionys who dwelt on the island of Erythia in the bay of Gadria Cadiz. This giant, who was the son of Chryséor, had three bodies with three heads, six hands and six feet. He possessed a herd of splendid cattle which were famous for their size, beauty and rich red colour. They were guarded by another giant named Eurytion and a two-headed dog called Orthrus the offspring of Typhon and Echidna. In choosing for him a task so replete with danger Eurystheus was in hopes that he might rid himself forever of his hated cousin but the indomitable courage of the hero rose with the prospect of this difficult and dangerous undertaking. After a long and wearisome journey he at last arrived at the western coast of Africa where as a monument of his perilous expedition he erected the famous Pillars of Hercules one of which he placed on each side of the Straits of Gibraltar. Here he found the intense heat so insufferable that he angrily raised his boat towards heaven and threatened to shoot the sun-god. But Helios, far from being incensed at his audacity, was so struck with admiration at his daring that he lent to him the golden boat with which he accomplished his nocturnal transit from west to east and thus Hercules crossed over safely to the island of Erythia. No sooner had he landed than Eurytion, accompanied by his savage dog Orthrus, fiercely attacked him but Hercules, with a superhuman effort, slew the dog and then his master. Hereupon he collected the herd and was proceeding to the seashore when Gereonis himself met him and a desperate encounter took place in which the giant perished. Hercules then drove the cattle into the sea and, seizing one of the oxen by the horns, swam with them over to the opposite coast of Iberia, Spain. Then, driving his magnificent prize before him through Gaul, Italy, Illyria and Thrace, he at length arrived after many perilous adventures and hair-breadth escapes at Mycenae where he delivered them up to Eurystheus, who sacrificed them to Hera. Hercules had now executed his ten tasks which had been accomplished in the space of eight years but Eurystheus refused to include the slaying of the Hydra and the cleansing of the stables of Orgias among the number alleging as a reason that the one had been performed by the assistance of Iolaus and that the other had been executed for hire. He therefore insisted on Hercules substituting two more labours in their place. 11. The Apples of the Hesperides The eleventh task imposed by Eurystheus was to bring him the golden apples of the Hesperides which grew on a tree presented by Gia to Hera on the occasion of her marriage with Zeus. This sacred tree was guarded by four maidens, daughters of night called the Hesperides, who were assisted in their task by a terrible hundred-headed dragon. This dragon never slept and out of its hundred throats came a constant hissing sound which effectively warmed off all intruders. But what rendered the undertaking still more difficult was the complete ignorance of the hero as to the locality of the garden and he was forced in consequence to make many fruitless journeys and to undergo many trials before he could find it. He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river Echidorus where he met the giant Cyknus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who challenged him to single combat. In this encounter Hercules completely vanquished his opponent who was killed in the contest. But now a mightier adversary appeared on the scene for the war god himself came to avenge his son. A terrible struggle ensued which had lasted some time when Zeus interfered between the brothers and put an end to the strife by hurling a thunderbolt between them. Hercules proceeded on his journey and reached the banks of the river Erydenus who had dwelt the nymphs, daughters of Zeus and Themis. On seeking advice from them as to his route they directed him to the old sea god Neryus who alone knew the way to the garden of the Hesperides. Hercules found him asleep and seizing the opportunity held him so firmly in his powerful grasp that he could not possibly escape so that notwithstanding his various metamorphoses he was at last compelled to give the information required. The hero then crossed over to Libya where he engaged in a wrestling match with King Anteus son of Poseidon and Gia which terminated fatally for his antagonist. From thence he proceeded to Egypt where reigned Buzyrus another son of Poseidon who acting on the advice given by an oracle during a time of great scarcity sacrificed all strangers to Zeus. When Hercules arrived he was seized and dragged to the altar but the powerful Demigod burst asunder his bonds and then slew Buzyrus and his son. Resuming his journey he now wandered on through Arabia until he arrived at Mount Caucasus where Prometheus groaned in unceasing agony. It was at this time that Heracles as already related shot the eagle which had so long tortured the noble and devoted friend of mankind. Full of gratitude for his deliverance Prometheus instructed him how to find his way to that remote region in the far west where Atlas supported the heavens on his shoulders near which lay the garden of the Hesperides. He also warned Heracles not to attempt to secure the precious fruit himself but to assume for a time the duties of Atlas and to dispatch him for the apples. On arriving at his destination Heracles followed the advice of Prometheus. Atlas who willingly entered into the arrangement contrived to put the dragon to sleep and then having cunningly outwitted the Hesperides carried off three of the golden apples which he now brought to Heracles but when the latter was prepared to relinquish his burden Atlas having once tasted the delights of freedom declined to resume his post and announced his intention of being himself the bearer of the apples to Eurystheus leaving Heracles to fill his place. To this proposal the hero feigned ascent merely begging that Atlas would be kind enough to support the heavens for a few moments whilst he contrived a pad for his head. Atlas could naturally threw down the apples and once more resumed his load upon which Heracles bared him a dew and departed. When Heracles conveyed the golden apples to Eurystheus the latter presented them to the hero where upon Heracles placed the sacred fruit on the altar of Palacitini who restored them to the garden of the Hesperides. 12. Cerberus The twelfth and last labour which Eurystheus imposed on Heracles was to bring up Cerberus from the lower world believing that all his heroic powers would be unavailing in the realm of shades and that in this his last and most perilous undertaking the hero must at length succumb and perish. Cerberus was a monster dog with three heads out of whose awful jaws dripped poison.  After being initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries and obtaining from the priests certain information necessary for the accomplishment of his task Heracles set out for Tenerum in Lacolia where there was an opening which led to the underworld. Conducted by Hermes he commenced his descent into the awful gulf where myriads of shades soon began to appear all of whom fled in terror at his approach Meliagar and Medusa alone accepted. About to strike the latter with his sword Hermes interfered and stayed his hand reminding him that she was but a shadow and that consequently no weapon could avail against her. Arrived before the gates of Hades he found Theseus and Pyrethoas who had been fixed to an enchanted rock by Aedes for their presumption in endeavouring to carry off Persephone. When they saw Heracles they implored him to set them free. The hero succeeded in delivering Theseus but when he endeavoured to liberate Pyrethoas the earth shook so violently beneath him that he was compelled to relinquish his task. Proceeding further Heracles recognised a scallophus who as we have seen in the history of Demeter had revealed the fact that Persephone had swallowed the seeds of a pomegranate offered to her by her husband which bound her to Aedes forever. A scallophus was groaning beneath a huge rock which Demeter in her anger had hurled upon him and which Heracles now removed releasing the sufferer. Before the gates of his palace stood Aedes the mighty ruler of the lower world and barred his entrance but Heracles aiming at him with one of his unerring darts shot him in the shoulder so that for the first time the god experienced the agony of mortal suffering. Heracles then demanded of him permission to take Cerberus to the upper world and to this Aedes consented on condition that he should secure him unarmed. Protected by his breastplate and lion's skin Heracles went in search of the monster whom he found at the mouth of the river Acheron. Undismayed by the hideous barking which proceeded from his three heads he seized the throat with one hand and the legs with the other and although the dragon which served him as a tail bit him severely he did not relinquish his grasp. In this manner he conducted him to the upper world through an opening near Trezin in Argolia. When Eurystheus beheld Cerberus he stood aghast and despairing of ever getting rid of his hated rival he returned the hellhound to the hero who restored him to Aedes and with this last task the subjection of Heracles to Eurystheus terminated. Murder of Iphetus Free at last Heracles now returned to Thebes and it being impossible for him to live happily with a beggarer in consequence of his having murdered her children he with her own consent gave her in marriage to his nephew Iolaus. Heracles himself sought the hand of Ioli daughter of Eurytus king of Ecalia who had instructed him when a boy in the use of the bow. Hearing that this king had promised to give his daughter to him who could surpass himself and his three sons in shooting with the bow Heracles lost no time in presenting himself as a competitor he soon proved that he was no unworthy pupil of Eurytus for he signally defeated all his opponents but although the king treated him with marked respect and honour he refused nevertheless to give him the hand of his daughter fearing for her a similar fate to that which had befallen Megara. Iphetus the eldest son of Eurytus alone espoused the cause of Heracles and essayed to induce his father to give his consent to the marriage but all to no purpose and at length stung to the quick at his rejection the hero angrily took his departure soon afterwards the oxen of the king was stolen by the notorious Thee for Tullicus and Heracles was suspected by Eurytus of having committed the theft but Iphetus loyally defended his absent friend and proposed to seek out Heracles and with his assistance to go in search of the missing cattle the hero warmly welcomed his staunch young friend and entered cordially into his plan they at once set out on their expedition but their search proved altogether unsuccessful when they approached the city of Tirins they mounted a tower in hopes of discovering the missing herd in the surrounding country but as they stood on the topmost summit of the building Heracles became suddenly seized with one of his former attacks of madness and mistaking his friend Iphetus for an enemy hurled him down into the plain below and he was killed on the spot Heracles now set forth on a weary pilgrimage begging in vain that someone would purify him from the murder of Iphetus it was during these wanderings that he arrived at the palace of his friend Admitus whose beautiful and heroic wife Alcestes he restored to her husband after a terrible struggle with death as already related soon after this event Heracles was struck with a fearful disease and betook himself to the temple of Delphi hoping to obtain from the oracle the means of relief the priestess however refused him a response on the ground of his having murdered Iphetus whereupon the angry hero seized upon the tripod which he carried off declaring that he would construct an oracle for himself Apollo who witnessed the sacrilege came down to defend his sanctuary and a violent struggle ensued Zeus once more interfered and flashing his lightnings between his two favourite sons ended the combat the pithier now vouchsafed an answer to the prayer of the hero and commanded him in expiation of his crime to allow himself to be sold by Hermes for three years as a slave the purchase money to be given to Eurytus in compensation for the loss of his son Heracles becomes the slave of Omphale Heracles bowed in submission to the divine will and was conducted by Hermes to Omphale, Queen of Lydia the three talents which he paid for him were given to Eurytus who however declined to accept the money which was handed over to the children of Iphetus Heracles now regained his former vigor he rid the territory of Omphale of the robbers which infested it and performed for her various other services requiring strength and courage it was about this time that he took part in the Caledonian bore hunt details of which have already been given when Omphale learned that her slave was none other than the renowned Heracles himself she at once gave him his liberty and offered him her hand and kingdom in her palace Heracles abandoned himself to all the innovating luxuries of an oriental life and so completely was the great hero enthralled by the fascination which his mistress exercised over him that whilst she playfully donned his lion's skin and helmet he, attired in female garments, sat at her feet spinning wool and beguiling the time by the relation of his past adventures but when at length his term of bondage having expired he became master of his own actions the manly and energetic spirit of the hero reasserted itself and tearing himself away from the palace of the meonian queen he determined to carry out the revenge he had so long meditated against the treacherous Leomedon and the faithless Orgias Heracles executes vengeance on Leomedon and Orgias gathering round him some of his old brave companions in arms Heracles collected a fleet of vessels and set sail for Troy where he landed took the city by storm and killed Leomedon who thus met at length the retribution he had so richly deserved to tell him on one of his bravest followers he gave his irony the daughter of the king in marriage when Heracles gave her permission to release one of the prisoners of war she chose her own brother Podarsis whereupon she was informed that as he was already a prisoner of war she would be compelled to ransom him on hearing this his irony took off her golden diadem which she joyfully handed to the hero owing to this circumstance Podarsis henceforth bore the name of Primus or Priam which signifies the ransomed one Heracles now marched against Orgias to execute his vengeance on him also for his perfidious conduct he stormed the city of Elis and put to death Orgias and his sons sparing only his brave advocate and staunch defender Phileus on whom he bestowed the vacant throne of his father Heracles and Dianyra Heracles now proceeded to Caledon where he wooed the beautiful Dianyra daughter of Enius king of Etolia but he encountered a formidable rival in Akeluis the river god and it was agreed that their claims should be decided by single combat trusting to his power of assuming various forms at will Akeluis felt confident of success but this availed him nothing for having at last transformed himself into a bull his mighty adversary broke off one of his horns and compelled him to acknowledge himself defeated after passing three happy years with Dianyra an unfortunate accident occurred which for a time marred their felicity Heracles was one day present at a banquet given by Enius when by a sudden swing of his hand he had the misfortune to strike on the head a youth of noble birth who according to the custom of the ancients was serving the guests at table and so violent was the blow that it caused his death the father of the unfortunate youth who had witnessed the occurrence saw that it was the result of accident and therefore absolved the hero from blame but Heracles resolved to act according to the law of the land banished himself from the country and bidding farewell to his father-in-law set out for Trachyn to visit his friend King Seix taking with him his wife Dianyra and his young son Hylas in the course of their journey they arrived at the river Ivenus over which the Centaur Nessus was in the habit of carrying travelers for hire Heracles with his little son in his arms forwarded the stream unaided entrusting his wife to the care of the Centaur who charmed with the beauty of his fair burden attempted to carry her off but her cries were heard by her husband who without hesitation shot Nessus through the heart with one of his poisoned arrows now the dying Centaur was thirsting for revenge he called Dianyra to his side and directed her to secure some of the blood which flowed from his wound assuring her that if when in danger of losing her husband's affection she used it in the manner indicated by him it would act as a charm and prevent her from being supplanted by a rival Heracles and Dianyra now pursued their journey and after several adventures at length arrived at their destination Death of Heracles The last expedition undertaken by the great hero was against Euritus, king of Icalia to revenge himself upon this king and his sons for having refused to bestow upon him the hand of Ioli after having fairly won the maiden having collected a large army Heracles set out for Yubea in order to besiege Icalia its capital Success crowned his arms he stormed the citadel, slew the king and his three sons reduced the town to ashes and carried away captive the young and beautiful Ioli Returning from his victorious expedition Heracles halted at Cineus in order to offer a sacrifice to Zeus and sent to Dianyra to trach in for a sacrificial robe Dianyra having been informed that the fair Ioli was in the train of Heracles was fearful lest her youthful charms might supplant her in the affection of her husband and calling to mind the advice of the dying centaur she determined to test the efficacy of the love charm which she had given to her taking out the file which she had carefully preserved she imbued the robe with a portion of the liquid which it contained and then sent it to Heracles the victorious hero clothed himself with the garment and was about to perform the sacrifice when the hot flames rising from the altar heated the poison with which it was imbued and soon every fibre of his body was penetrated by the deadly venom the unfortunate hero suffering the most fearful torches endeavoured to tear off the robe but it adhered so closely to the skin that all his efforts to remove it only increased his agonies in this pitiable condition he was conveyed to trach in where Dianyra on beholding the terrible suffering of which she was the innocent cause was overcome with grief and remorse and hanged herself in despair the dying hero called his son Hylas to his side and desired him to make Ayoli his wife and then ordering his followers to erect a funeral pyre he mounted it and implored the bystanders to set fire to it and thus in mercy to terminate his insufferable torments but no one had the courage to obey him until at last his friend and companion Philoctetes yielding to his piteous appeal lighted the pile and received in return the bow and arrows of the hero soon flames on flames ascended and amidst vivid flashes of lightning accompanied by awful peals of thunder Pelle Sathini descended in a cloud and bore her favourite hero in a chariot to Olympus Heracles became admitted among the immortals and Hyra in token of her reconciliation bestowed upon him the hand of her beautiful daughter Hebe the goddess of eternal youth End of section 25 part 2 Recording by Graham Redman Thank you for watching!