AI overview
The Nemean lion was a fearsome creature from ancient Greek mythology that Hercules was tasked with killing as his first labor. Its significance lies in being a foundational part of the famous Twelve Labors of Hercules, one of the most enduring hero tales in Western culture.
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Article
Mosaic: Nemean lion. 3rd century AD. Currently held in the Archaeological Museum of Paros. The Nemean lion (/nɪˈmiːən/; Ancient Greek: Νεμέος λέων, romanized: Neméos léōn; Latin: Leo Nemeaeus) was a mythical lion in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. It is most famous for being one of the mythical beasts killed by Heracles (Hercules) in his 12 labours. Because its golden fur was impervious to attack, it could not be killed with mortal weapons. Its claws were sharper than mortal swords and could cut through any strong armour. After Heracles killed the lion, its pelt would come to symbolize Heracles and his strength, being used in art to both recognize the myth itself and to draw connections between Heracles' heroism and others.
Mythical origins