A-Z: General definitions: Heracles and the Golden Apples of the Hesperides

Definition

The eleventh labour of Heracles. Eurystheus wanted the fabled Golden Apples of the Hesperides. These grew in a garden beyond the sunset, where Atlas held up the sky. Some sources say that Heracles took over Atlas' burden while Atlas fetched the fruit for Heracles: this is when Atlas missed his chance of release. Others say that Heracles picked the fruit himself, after killing Ladon, the giant snake on guard at the tree.

Related Topics

Heracles; Eurystheus; Apples, Golden

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