Shirt of Nessus

Lichas bringing the garment of Nessus to Hercules (as Heracles was known in Roman mythology), woodcut by Hans Sebald Beham, circa 1542-1548.

In Greek mythology, the Shirt of Nessus, Tunic of Nessus, Nessus-robe, or Nessus' shirt (Ancient Greek: Χιτών τοῦ Νέσσου, romanized: Chitṓn toû Néssou) was the poisoned shirt (chiton) that killed Heracles. It was once a popular reference in literature. In folkloristics, it is considered an instance of the "poison dress" motif.[1]

  1. ^ Aarne-Thompson motif D1402.5 "Nessus shirt burns wearer up", as described in Mayor