The Nemean Lion in Heracles (Hercules): The Twelve Labors

The Nemean Lion in Heracles (Hercules): The Twelve Labors

Heracles kills this creature as his first labor. The beast is said to be gigantic, and it has a hide so thick that no spears or swords can penetrate it. This is no big deal for Heracles, who just squeezes the thing to death. After he kills it, Heracles wears its hide as a cape. This lion skin cape is Heracles' signature look for the rest of his days. It's said that the constellation Leo (which means lion) is named after the Nemean Lion.