Hercules' fourth labour was to bring back the Erymanthian Boar alive. This wild and dangerous boar was no easy target, but Hercules managed to drive it into a snowbank and carry it back. The fifth labour involved cleaning the Augean Stables in a single day. These stables were filthy as they had not been cleaned for years and housed a large number of cattle. Hercules rerouted two rivers to wash away all the filth. For the sixth labour, he had to drive away the Stymphalian Birds, which had bronze beaks and feathers that they could shoot at their enemies. He used a rattle to make a loud noise and scared them off.
In the '12 Labours of Hercules' short story, Hercules was tasked with a series of seemingly impossible feats. He had to clean the Augean stables in one day, which were filled with years of manure from thousands of cattle. He achieved this by rerouting two rivers to wash through the stables. These tasks not only showed his physical prowess but also his ability to overcome great challenges.
One main challenge was the super - natural nature of the opponents. For example, the Lernaean Hydra's ability to regrow heads made it extremely difficult to defeat. Another challenge was the variety of tasks. From capturing live animals like the Ceryneian Hind to cleaning the Augean Stables which was a huge and dirty job. Also, some tasks involved facing powerful and often angry groups, like the Amazons when he was after the Belt of Hippolyta.
In the Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa story, Perseus received help from two main gods. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was one of his helpers. She gave him a highly polished shield. This shield was crucial because looking directly at Medusa would turn anyone into stone. With the shield, Perseus could see Medusa's reflection and thus avoid her deadly gaze. Hermes, the messenger god, also helped. He provided Perseus with a pair of winged sandals, which allowed Perseus to fly swiftly to Medusa's lair. He also gave Perseus a sword, which was used to cut off Medusa's head.
Perseus was a hero in Greek mythology. In the Perseus star story, he is often associated with certain constellations. He famously slew Medusa, a Gorgon with snakes for hair. After beheading Medusa, he used her head to turn his enemies into stone. His adventures are marked in the sky, with constellations like Perseus being named after him, representing his heroic deeds and journey in the celestial realm.
One major challenge was the very nature of Medusa. Her ability to turn people to stone with a direct gaze meant Perseus couldn't look at her directly. Also, finding the Gorgons' lair was likely difficult. And he had to face the other Gorgons as well, not just Medusa, when he entered their place.
Perseus' victory over Medusa was a result of his clever use of the gifts from the gods. He had a shield from Athena which was reflective. This was key because Medusa's gaze could turn people to stone. He also had winged sandals from Hermes which helped him get to her. When he got there, he carefully positioned himself and used the shield to look at her indirectly. With a special sword, he was able to quickly cut off her head and defeat her.
The main character is Hercules himself. He was a demigod, son of Zeus and Alcmene. King Eurystheus is also an important character as he was the one who assigned the twelve labours to Hercules.