In ancient Greek mythology, Hercules was a demigod known for his incredible strength and bravery. He was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and a mortal woman named Alcmene. Hercules was famous for his 12 labours, which were tasks that he had to complete as a punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness.

The first labour of Hercules was to kill the Nemean Lion, a fierce beast with impenetrable skin. Hercules strangled the lion with his bare hands and used its own claws to skin it. He then wore the lion’s skin as a cloak, which became his signature attire.

The second labour was to kill the Lernaean Hydra, a many-headed serpent that lived in a swamp. Every time Hercules cut off one of its heads, two more would grow in its place. He eventually defeated the Hydra by cauterizing the stumps of its heads with fire.

The third labour was to capture the Golden Hind, a sacred deer that belonged to the goddess Artemis. Hercules chased the deer for a year before finally capturing it.

The fourth labour was to capture the Erymanthian Boar, a wild boar that terrorized the countryside. Hercules chased the boar into a snowdrift and captured it alive.

The fifth labour was to clean the Augean Stables, which were filled with the dung of thousands of cattle. Hercules diverted a river to wash away the dung in a single day.

The sixth labour was to kill the Stymphalian Birds, a flock of man-eating birds with bronze beaks and feathers. Hercules scared the birds into flight with a rattle and shot them down with his bow and arrows.

The seventh labour was to capture the Cretan Bull, a wild bull that had been terrorizing the island of Crete. Hercules wrestled the bull to the ground and brought it back to King Eurystheus.

The eighth labour was to capture the Mares of Diomedes, four man-eating horses that belonged to the king of Thrace. Hercules fed the horses with the flesh of their own master and then captured them.

The ninth labour was to obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. Hercules convinced Hippolyta to give him the girdle, but the other Amazons attacked him, and he had to fight his way out.

The tenth labour was to capture the cattle of Geryon, a three-headed giant who lived on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. Hercules killed Geryon and brought the cattle back to King Eurystheus.

The eleventh labour was to obtain the golden apples of the Hesperides, which were guarded by a dragon. Hercules killed the dragon and obtained the apples.

The twelfth and final labour was to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to the underworld. Hercules wrestled Cerberus into submission and brought him back to King Eurystheus.

Hercules completed all 12 labours, which made him a hero in the eyes of the ancient Greeks. His strength and bravery inspired many stories and legends, and he remains a popular figure in modern culture.