The Erymanthian Boar

The fourth of Heracles' Twelve Labors

Mar 4, 2006 Robin Fowler

Heracles relied upon help from a friend to capture the vicious creature.

In the thick of winter, Heracles (Roman Hercules)set out to Mount Erymanthus, home of the terrible Erymanthian Boar. Eurystheus had determined that Heracles' fourth labor should be to capture the beast, and bring it to him. This proved to be a difficult task, so Heracles sought the guidance of Chiron, a wise centaur who lived in the underworld. Chiron suggested that Heracles drive the boar into the heavy snow, in order to slow it down and catch it.

After successfully capturing the boar, Heracles returned to Eurystheus with it. Eurystheus was so frightened by it, that he retreated into the vase from which he hid from Heracles, demanding that the hero do away with the beast.

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