We are in Ancient Nemea, Corinthia, at a cave with two entrances—one on the Eastern side (the Large Cave) and one on the Western side (the Small Cave) of a mountain where, according to mythology, Heracles killed the Nemean Lion.

Heracles left Thebes with his nephew Iolaus and went to Mycenae to serve King Eurystheus. Eurystheus, who feared Heracles, tasked him with completing twelve labors—difficult feats, hoping that Heracles would meet his end in one of them.

The first labor Heracles undertook was to kill the Nemean Lion. This fearsome lion had been raised by Hera, and its skin was so tough that iron arrows could not pierce it. It made its lair in a cave with two entrances, located on the slope of a mountain in Nemea. Every day, it descended into the plains, devouring animals and people. The locals were desperate and dared not venture into the countryside.

When Heracles arrived in Nemea, he passed through the sacred grove of the city, cut down an olive tree, and fashioned a heavy club from its trunk. He then waited near the lion's lair. When the lion appeared, he first struck it with his arrows. The arrows fell to the ground without wounding the lion, which immediately attacked Heracles. Heracles struck it with his club, causing the lion pain, and it retreated back into its lair.

Heracles then gathered large stones, blocked one entrance, and entered through the other. The lion roared, causing the entire mountain to shake. It charged at the hero, and they fought for an hour.

Finally, Heracles wrapped his arms around the lion's neck and strangled it. He then took the lion's skin, the Nemean hide, and wore it as a cloak. He returned to Mycenae, where Eurystheus, terrified upon seeing him, ordered that a bronze jar be made for Heracles to hide in whenever he was in danger.

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