Hercules is one of the oldest constellations in the night sky, with origins reaching back even before ancient Greece.
Born to Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, Hercules drew the wrath of Hera, Zeus’ wife, who vowed to make his life as difficult as possible. When he grew older, Hera cast a spell of madness upon him, causing him to harm those he loved most. Stricken with guilt, Hercules sought the Oracle of Delphi to ask how he could atone for his crime. He was sent to serve King Eurystheus of Mycenae, who set him twelve near-impossible tasks — the famous Twelve Labours. Among them were slaying the Nemean Lion (Leo constellation), destroying the Hydra, capturing a golden-horned deer, and seizing the three-headed dog Cerberus from the Underworld. Through strength and perseverance, Hercules completed them all, earning redemption and a place among the stars.
Hercules is best seen between late June and September from most of the northern hemisphere.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Hercules is closely associated with a classic Greek tale, he would make the perfect gift for a mythology lover.
Hercules is one of the oldest constellations in the night sky, with origins reaching back even before ancient Greece.
Born to Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, Hercules drew the wrath of Hera, Zeus’ wife, who vowed to make his life as difficult as possible. When he grew older, Hera cast a spell of madness upon him, causing him to harm those he loved most. Stricken with guilt, Hercules sought the Oracle of Delphi to ask how he could atone for his crime. He was sent to serve King Eurystheus of Mycenae, who set him twelve near-impossible tasks — the famous Twelve Labours. Among them were slaying the Nemean Lion (Leo constellation), destroying the Hydra, capturing a golden-horned deer, and seizing the three-headed dog Cerberus from the Underworld. Through strength and perseverance, Hercules completed them all, earning redemption and a place among the stars.
Hercules is best seen between late June and September from most of the northern hemisphere.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Hercules is closely associated with a classic Greek tale, he would make the perfect gift for a mythology lover.
