Orthrus
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In Greek mythology, Orthrus or Orthus was, according to the mythographer Apollodorus, a two-headed dog who guarded Geryon's cattle and was killed by Heracles. He was the offspring of the monsters Echidna and Typhon, and the brother of Cerberus, who was also a multi-headed guard dog.
A two-headed Orthrus, with snake tail, lying wounded at the feet of Heracles (left) and the three-bodied Geryon (right). Detail from a red-figure kylix by Euphronios, 550–500 BC, Staatliche Antikensammlungen (Munich 2620).
A two-headed Orthrus and a three-bodied Geryon. Attic black-figure neck amphora, by the Swing Painter, c. 550–500 BC (Paris, Cab. Med. 223).
Nemean lion
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The Nemean lion was a monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. Eventually, it was killed by Heracles (Hercules). Because its golden fur was impervious to attack, it could not be killed with mortals' weapons. Its claws were sharper than mortals' swords and could cut through any strong armour. In Bibliotheca, Photius wrote that the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples, was his brother.
Heracles slaying the Nemean lion. Detail of a Roman mosaic from Llíria (Spain).
Hercules' fight with the Nemean lion, Pieter Paul Rubens.
Oinochoe, 520–500 BC, from Vulci
White-ground lekythos, ca. 500-475 BC, from Athens, by Diosphos Painter