ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPRSTU–Z

Nemean Lion

The lion slain by Herakles (Heracles) as part of his First Labor.

The Nemean lion was the predatory offspring of the dog, Orthos and the serpent-monster, Ekhidna (Echidna), and presumably, the sister of the deadly Sphinx of the city of Thebes and the half-sister of Kerberos (Cerberus), the watchdog of the gates of the Underworld.

Killing the Nemean Lion is considered to be Herakles’ First Labor because he was often depicted in ancient artwork wearing the lion’s skin; the hide of the Nemean Lion and the club were Herakles’ trademark, i.e. it was assured that any unnamed hero in ancient Greek art wearing the lion skin and carrying a club was Herakles.

For more information on Herakles and the Nemean Lion I suggest that you consult the Immortals section of this site.

Return to Nemean Lion in the Dictionary

How to Cite this Page

Cut and paste the following text for use in a paper or electronic document report.

Stewart, Michael. "People, Places & Things: Nemean Lion", Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant. http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/ppt/Nemean_Lion_1.html

Cut and paste the following html for use in a web report.

Stewart, Michael. &quot;People, Places &amp; Things: Nemean Lion&quot;, <i>Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant</i>. http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/ppt/Nemean_Lion_1.html

Cut and paste the following html for use in a web report. This format will link back to this page, which may be useful but may not be required.

Stewart, Michael. &quot;People, Places &amp; Things: Nemean Lion&quot;, <i>Greek Mythology: From the Iliad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant</i>. <a href="http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/ppt/Nemean_Lion_1.html">http://messagenetcommresearch.com/myths/ppt/Nemean_Lion_1.html</a>

Return to Nemean Lion in the Dictionary

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPRSTU–Z

Home • Essays • People, Places & Things • The Immortals
Greek Myths Bookshop • Fun Fact Quiz • Search/Browse • Links • About