Eurystheus facts for kids
Eurystheus was a king in ancient Greek mythology. He ruled over the cities of Tiryns and Mycenae. He was the son of Sthenelus. Eurystheus is most famous for being the king who gave the mighty hero Herakles his Twelve Labours. These very difficult tasks were a way for Herakles to make up for a terrible mistake he had made.
Contents
Who Was Eurystheus?
Eurystheus was a descendant of the hero Perseus, just like Herakles. This made them distant relatives. Eurystheus became king of Tiryns and Mycenae. These were important cities in ancient Greece.
Eurystheus and Herakles' Labours
The story of Eurystheus is closely linked to Herakles. Herakles had done something terrible while under a spell from the goddess Hera. To make up for it, the Oracle of Delphi told Herakles he had to serve Eurystheus for twelve years. During this time, Eurystheus would give him ten difficult tasks. Later, two more were added, making it the famous Twelve Labours.
Why Did Eurystheus Give the Labours?
Eurystheus was a bit of a coward. He was also jealous of Herakles' great strength. He knew Herakles was much stronger than him. So, he tried to give Herakles tasks that seemed impossible. He hoped Herakles would fail or even die trying. But Herakles, with his incredible strength and cleverness, managed to complete every single one.
Examples of the Labours
Some of the famous tasks Eurystheus ordered Herakles to do include:
- Killing the Nemean Lion, a beast with skin that no weapon could pierce.
- Slaying the Lernaean Hydra, a monster with many heads that grew back when cut off.
- Capturing the Ceryneian Hind, a magical deer with golden antlers.
- Cleaning the Augean Stables, which had not been cleaned in 30 years.
- Bringing back the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides.
- Capturing Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the Underworld.
Eurystheus was often scared when Herakles returned with proof of his completed tasks. For example, when Herakles brought the Nemean Lion's skin, Eurystheus was so frightened that he hid in a large bronze jar! He even made Herakles show his trophies to him from a distance.
After the Labours
After Herakles completed all his labours, he was finally free from serving Eurystheus. Eurystheus continued to rule his kingdom. However, his story is mostly remembered because of his role in Herakles' famous adventures.
Images for kids
-
Hercule apporte à Eurysthée la ceinture de la reine des Amazones by Daniel Sarrabat. This shows Herakles bringing the belt of Hippolyta, the Amazon queen, to Eurystheus.
See also
In Spanish: Euristeo para niños
