Lernaean Hydra: A Fearsome, Multi-headed Dragon Living In The Swamps - Alternative View

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Lernaean Hydra: A Fearsome, Multi-headed Dragon Living In The Swamps - Alternative View
Lernaean Hydra: A Fearsome, Multi-headed Dragon Living In The Swamps - Alternative View

Video: Lernaean Hydra: A Fearsome, Multi-headed Dragon Living In The Swamps - Alternative View

Video: Lernaean Hydra: A Fearsome, Multi-headed Dragon Living In The Swamps - Alternative View
Video: Mythical Creatures Lore - What is the Hydra? 2024, March
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In Greek mythology, all sorts of strange, mythological creatures played a leading role in tales of heroes and gods. These creatures have both unusual or terrifying appearance and supernatural abilities.

One of them was the Lernaean Hydra, the multi-headed child of the reptiles Echidna, the nymph, and the monster Typhoon. In Greek and Roman mythology, the hydra ("water snake") lived in the swamps near Lake Lerna, a bottomless lake associated with the Underworld.

Hydra was a terrifying monster that used its breath and blood to poison its enemies. The monster had many heads, but the exact number varies depending on the version of the myth.

Seven or nine heads and the ability to regenerate

Most often, the Hydra is described and depicted with seven or nine heads, the central of which was immortal. In later versions of the Hydra myth, the monster possessed the ability to regenerate, and for each head severed, it could quickly grow two heads.

At times, the monster was depicted with dragon claws and a torso covered with hard scales, wings or feet, or was said to have the body of a giant dog.

Hydra's breath was so poisonous that it could kill any person, and the blood was toxic and capable of killing a person instantly.

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Hunt for Hydra

Hydra was defeated by Hercules, hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and Alcmene, during the second of his twelve labors.

Reaching the lake where the monster lived, Hercules released his arrows so that Hydra would come out of its depths and fight with him. Hercules cut off one of the heads with his sword, but each time a new head appeared in place of the severed one.

Scorpions and snakes emerged from the blood that the monster shed on the ground. To continue his dangerous task, Hercules asked the help of his nephew Iolaus to cut off all the heads of the monster, as well as the immortal golden head of the creature, and burn the neck with sword and fire.

Finally, the terrible and disgusting creature that terrorized people, abducted livestock and devastated fields, was defeated once and for all.

Hercules buried the immortal head of the Hydra under a large boulder, and thus his second feat was completed.

Hydra symbolizes difficulties and obstacles

Many believe that the Lernaean Hydra is much more than just one of the many fascinating monsters in colorful Greek myths and legends.

The creature is a symbol of difficulties and obstacles that multiply in the course of the task. Some believe that the history of Hydra refers to the problems faced by the people of the region as they drained the swamp to reclaim their land for their own protection.

MIKHAILOV ALEXEY