THE LERNAEAN HYDRA
The Lernaean Hydra was a multi-headed serpentine monster that had its lair in the lake of Lerna in the Argolid. Its blood was poisonous and it had the capacity of regenerating its heads once chopped off. To slay the Hydra, Hercules enlisted the help of his nephew Iolaos. Hercules cut off each head and Iolaos cauterised the stumps to prevent the heads’ regeneration. Hera sent a giant crab against Hercules, but he crushed it under his foot. The Hydra’s last, immortal head was cut off with a golden sword given to Hercules by Athena. He then dipped his arrows in the Hydra’s venomous blood, making them a lethal weapon. The Hydra and the crab were turned into the constellations of Hydra and Cancer.
The obverse depicts Hercules slaying the Lernaean Hydra. At top is the wording “THE LERNAEAN HYDRA”, at bottom the minting year (“2026”) and at lower right a palmette (mintmark of the Greek mint).
The reverse features a mature Hercules wearing his emblematic lion pelt. At top are inscribed the words “THE 12 LABOURS OF HERCULES”, to the right is the denomination (“12 EURO”) and at bottom is the national coat of arms.
Not sold separately, bus as part of the three-coin set.