Nemean lion

For the other lion killed by Hercules, see Lion of Cithaeron.

Heracles slaying the Nemean lion. Detail of a Roman mosaic from Llíria (Spain).

The Nemean lion (/nɪˈmiːən/; Greek: Νεμέος λέων, translit. Neméos léōn;[1] Latin: Leo Nemeaeus) was a monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. Eventually, it was killed by Heracles (Hercules). Because its golden fur was impervious to attack, it could not be killed with mortals' weapons. Its claws were sharper than mortals' swords and could cut through any strong armour. In Bibliotheca, Photius wrote that the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples, was his brother.[2]

  1. ^ Apollodorus. Mythographi Graeci. Volumen I (in Greek). Рипол Классик. ISBN 978-5-87455-463-7.
  2. ^ "Bibliothèque de Photius : 190. Ptolémée Chennus, Nouvelle Histoire". remacle.org. Retrieved 6 September 2023.