The Lernaean Hydra

Greek mythology · monsters · heroes

A serpent monster. The Lernaean Hydra was a terrifying creature that lived in a lake called Lerna in ancient Greece. It had multiple heads, making it one of the scariest monsters in all of Greek mythology.

Sacred ancient site. The lake of Lerna where the Hydra lived was considered so holy and mysterious that people believed it was actually an entrance to the Underworld itself. Archaeologists have found evidence that this place was a sacred location even before the great city of Mycenaean Argos was built.

Heracles' tough job. Killing the Lernaean Hydra was the second of the famous Twelve Labours that the hero Heracles had to complete. It became one of his most celebrated victories in the myths that ancient Greeks loved to tell.