The 11th Labour of Hercules

The Golden Apples of the Hesperides

His 11th labour was bring the legendary golden apples of the Hesperides back to King Eury.

There was a rumour that the apples were hidden in the garden of the Hesperides. It was rumoured that the apples gave immortal life to anyone who ate them, but hardly anyone believed the rumour. In fact, no mortal knew if the legendary golden apples really existed.

The Hesperides were magical creatures who lived a long way away. It took Hercules several months to reach the land of the Hesperides. When he finally reached the garden, he had to slay a dragon who was guarding the garden gate, before he could search for the apples.

The apples were poorly hidden. They were in plain sight, hanging on the apple tree in the centre of the garden. It took Hercules no time at all to round them up. Hercules was tempted to take a bite and give himself immortal life. But he had heard another rumour. He had heard that the apples did not give immortal life, but rather, took immortal life away. That was not his goal at all.

Several months later, when he reached home, he gave the apples to King Eury. Eury quickly gave the apples to his wife. His wife returned the apples to the Hesperides with her apologies.