Nemean lion facts for kids

Hercules and the Nemean lion, Gandhara, India, 1st century.

The Nemean lion (Greek: Λέων της Νεμέας Léōn tēs Neméas; Latin: Leo Nemaeus) was a vicious monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. It was eventually killed by Heracles. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than mortal swords and could cut through any armor.

Images for kids

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  Heracles slaying the Nemean lion. Detail of a Roman mosaic from Llíria (Spain).

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  Hercules' fight with the Nemean lion, Pieter Paul Rubens.

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  Oinochoe, 520–500 BC, from Vulci

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  White-ground lekythos, ca. 500-475 BC, from Athens, by Diosphos Painter

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  Roman-era relief, 2nd century

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  Renaissance plaque by Galeazzo Mondella

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  Marble by J.M. Félix Magdalena (b. 1941)

See also

In Spanish: León de Nemea para niños