The 12 Labours of Hercules
Hera wanted to punish Hercules for being for being the offspring of her husband, Zeus and another woman, Alcmene. Hera sent Hercules into a fit of madness and in a confused and rage-filled state, his wife and children were killed. Once awakened from his fit, Hercules sought repentance for his crimes and prayed to Apollo for guidance. It was decided that the only way for Hercules to properly pay for his wrong-doings was to serve King Eurystheus and do whatever he asked; no questions asked.
I challenged myself to present each of The 12 Labours of Hercules in a different medium.
1. Slay the Nemean Lion
Hercules was required to preform 12 heroic labors for Mycenean King Eurystheus as punishment for the domestic crimes he had committed. The first of which was to find and slay the Nemean Lion and retrieve its hide. Hercules transformed said hide into an impermeable cloak which would serve him on the rest of his journey.
Lion's Hide Cloak
2018
Hand sewn textiles, faux fur, brass brooch
2. Kill the Lernean Hydra
The Lernean Hydra; a Greek water monster, needed to be slain as part of Hercules' second task. As each of its heads were cut off, 2 new ones grew in its place making this an impossible feat to be completed alone. Hercules recruited his nephew, Lolaus, to help him by cauterizing the ends of the freshly cut heads before any new ones could regenerate. However, Lolaus' assistance during this task meant it did not count.
3. Capture the Cerynian Hind
Artemis, Goddess of the hunt, loved and protected a Cerynian hind with golden antlers. Hercules needed to retrieve this hind and bring it to King Eurystheus without harming it to avoid evoking Artemis' wrath. Hercules hid in the forest for 1 year, gaining its trust, before safely capturing it and taking it to King Eurystheus then returning it to its home in the forest.
Golden Leaf Brooch
2019
Brass, nickel brooch findings.
To represent the forest where Hercules waited so patiently.
4. Capture the Erymanthian Boar
For years, the Erymanthian people lived in fear of this deadly boar. To capture it, Hercules chased it up Mount Erymanthus into a snowbank and caught it in a net. When the boar was brought back to King Eurystheus, he was so scared he hid in a large bronze jar.
Apple Intaglio Print
2018
Intaglio print - etched plexiglass
The apple that would be stuffed in the mouth of a dead boar - the surrounding roots represent the boars jaws.
5. Clean the Augean Stables
King Augean owned thousands of cows, all packed into a stable that had not been cleaned for over 30 years. Hercules was only given a day to clean the stables and, to do so, used his strength to bend the rivers and sweep out all the filth in a single motion.
Cow
2018
Charcoal and graphite drawing
6. Kill the Stymphalian Birds
Murderous birds with claws and beaks like metal and feathers like darts lived around Lake Stymphalos. To rid the area of these birds, Hercules used a rattle to scare them out of their nests, then shot them down using poisoned arrows dipped in the Hydra's blood.
Paper Bird Sculpture
2018
Cardboard and wire frame, white glue, printer paper, synth. rhinestone eyes.
7. Capture the Cretan Bull
The Island of Crete housed a fire-breathing bull that caused terror wherever it went. King Minos' bull was only able to be captured as Hercules wrestled it to the ground and dragged it all the way back to King Eurystheus.
Laurel Wreath
2018
Wire, plastic beads, gold nail polish
Bull's nose ring made wearable to humans to represent the personification of the bull in Greek Mythology.
8. Capture the Mares of Diomedes
King Diomedes fed his bloodthirsty horses human flesh. Hercules and his men fought to overthrow King Diomedes and fed him to his horses. This tamed the horses and they were able to be lead back to King Eurystheus with ease.
Mare Vase
2018
Acrylic paint on canvas
9. Steal Hippolyte's Girdle
Hercules headed to the Amazon in attempt to fetch Queen Hippolyte's girdle for Eurystheus' daughter. This girdle would provide supremacy and power to the wearer. Hippolyte would have easily given Hercules the girdle had it not been for Hera's interference. Hera spread a rumor that Hercules was an enemy, so whilst being attacked by the Amazonians, Hippolyte was slain and the girdle was stolen.
Golden Girdle
2018
Ceramic, acrylic paint, gold-coated wire, beads.
10. Capture Geryon's Cattle
A 3-bodied winged monster named Geryon possessed a beautiful herd of red cattle. The cattle were guarded by a 2-headed dog and giant whom Hercules had to slay in order to bring the cattle to King Eurystheus.
Cattle Collage
2018
Cardboard frame, water colour paper and paint, white glue.
11. Steal the Golden Apples of Hesperides
Nymphs, the Hesperides, tended to a garden containing a Golden Apple tree. This tree was additionally guarded by a 100-headed dragon, Ladon. To steal an apple for King Eurystheus, Hercules struck a deal with Atlas (the Nymphs father and man who shouldered the Earth). Hercules volunteered to carry the earth while Atlas fetched him an apple.
Golden Apple Tree
2018
Steel wire, plastic beads, large garden rock (representing the mountain on which this mythical tree stands).
12. Cerberus
As his 12th and final labour, Hercules was required to humanely capture Hades' 3-headed-hell-hound from the underworld. He was not permitted to use any weapons and so he wrestled each of the dog's 3 heads to the ground, brought Cerberus to King Eurystheus, and then safely returned him back to Hades.
Cerberus Lino Print
2018
Gold ink on a linoleum print.
Cerberus has a human skeleton torso to further personify him as done in the Greek Myths.
All works were created and photographed by Christina van Putten in 2018-2019.
The story of the 12 Labours of Hercules was paraphrased from Alan & Maureen Carter's "A Layman's Guide to the Greek Heroes." Print, 1998.