Most of us have probably heard about the valiant tale of Hercules and the hydra, in which Hercules battled the hydra and defeated it. This was a big deal, since the hydra is no normal dragon-like mythological creature. (Not that any of them are normal, but the hydra has an ability that is starkly different from the other dragon-like creatures depicted in mythology.)
The physique of a hydra seems standard at first. Its body is that of a dragon: covered in impenetrable scales with four legs and a large tail. The hydra does not have wings, but this is because they would probably have gotten in the way of its nine heads… that’s right, nine. Each head had poisonous venom and breath, and its sharp teeth and strong jaws could kill with one bite. These heads extended from elongated necks, so it was difficult for heroes to get anywhere near the creature. The heads also had the ability to move at lightning speeds, and all nine acted independently of each other. If it wanted to, the hydra could attack nine people at once without entangling its necks or biting itself. What was especially dangerous was that the middle head was immortal. Even if it was cut off, it would continue living.
There is something distinct about the hydra that needs to be accounted for when engaging it in combat. When someone cuts off the head of the hydra, the head will grow back into two heads. This means the hydra could, theoretically, grow an infinite amount of heads. At that point, the hydra might have some problems moving, but it was so difficult to attack the hydra that it never had to fear growing too many heads. This is why it was so impressive when Hercules killed the beast. It seems indestructible, considering its fighting abilities and its potentially infinite heads. Hercules realized he had to stop the heads from growing back if he was to defeat the hydra. So, he called on the help of his nephew, Iolaus. As Hercules slashed the heads of the monster, Iolaus scorched the headless necks with a torch to prevent the heads from growing back. After a rather intense battle, all the heads were gone and Hercules was able to deliver the final blow. He burned the decapitated heads and buried the immortal one under a huge rock.
Hercules was a hero for killing the hydra because the creature constantly ravaged the land. It stole livestock from farms in the countryside and destroyed towns that it felt was invading its territory. It lived in a swamp, and was considered a water snake. Its ability to travel through water was impressive, and it would often enter the ocean and kill any ships that crossed its path. Hercules was revered when the creature was finally defeated and the people no longer lived in fear.
It seems like Hercules had a little luck in defeating the hydra, but he was clearly skilled in battle. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t last more than a few seconds if the hydra spotted me.
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