Ladon (mythology) facts for kids
Ladon was a monster in Greek mythology. He was a giant, snake-like dragon who guarded special golden apples. These apples were found in the Garden of the Hesperides.
Contents
Ladon's Family Tree
Ladon was often said to be the child of two scary monsters. His father was Typhon, a giant, fiery monster. His mother was Echidna, who was half-woman and half-snake. This means Ladon had a very monstrous family! Some old stories also say he was the brother of the Nemean lion. The Nemean lion was another famous monster from Greek myths.
Ladon's Story in Mythology
The Golden Apples and Heracles
Ladon's most important job was to protect the golden apples. These apples grew in the beautiful Garden of the Hesperides. Ladon would coil and twist around the apple tree, always watching over the precious fruit.
One of the most famous Greek heroes, Heracles, had a very difficult task. This task was his eleventh "labour." He had to bring back some of these golden apples. In one version of the myth, Heracles killed Ladon. He used his bow and arrows to defeat the dragon. After that, Heracles took the golden apples away.
Another Version of the Myth
In a different version of the story, Heracles did not kill Ladon. Instead, he asked the Titan god Atlas for help. Atlas was known for holding up the sky. Heracles offered to hold the sky for Atlas for a short time. While Heracles held the sky, Atlas went and got the golden apples. This way, Ladon was not harmed.
Ladon in Art and the Stars
Ancient Greek artists often showed Ladon in their paintings. They drew the dragon coiled around the apple tree. This image was very popular.
Later, some people believed that Ladon was placed among the stars. They thought he became the constellation Draco, which looks like a dragon. This constellation can still be seen in the night sky.
Some stories say Ladon had many heads. One old play even mentioned he had a hundred heads! These heads could speak with different voices.
See also
- Lernaean Hydra, a similar monster who was also slain by Heracles.
In Spanish: Ladón para niños
