Orthrus and The Tenth Labour of Hercules

Orthrus was tasked with protecting the crimson cattle which belonged to

Geryon, a giant who lived on the island of Erytheia. The crimson cattle

were considered to be the most beautiful cattle in the world, and as such

they were very desirable for thieves and Orthrus was in place to ensure

that no-one stole the cattle, and also to protect them from wolves or any

other predators who roamed Erytheia.

Let’s take a moment to introduce the inhabitants of the island. Geryon

was, as previously mentioned, a giant and he had an impressive lineage.

Geryon’s parents were Chrysaor and Callirrhoe. His father, Chrysaor

was created when Perseus killed the Gorgon Medusa. He was born from

her body after Perseus had beheaded her. Callirrhoe, Geryon’s mother,

was the child of two Titans, named Oceanus and Tethys. As a result of

this union, Geryon was born with three heads, and he had three pairs of

legs.

On the island, Geryon lived with Orthrus and looked after the crimson

cattle.

Orthrus was very good at protecting the cattle and spent his days dosing

in the lush meadows ensuring his charges were safe. One night, the

cattle were sleeping soundly and beside them Orthrus slept, but always

alert for danger.

Suddenly, his eyes opened, and he raised his noses to the sky, smelling

danger on the wind. Being a two headed hound had the benefit that he

was not restricted to looking in only one direction and enabled him to

listen for noises coming from all directions.

Orthrus knew the scent that he had detected in the wind – wolves. A

pack was coming for his cattle, trying to surround them so that they

would be able to outnumber him and feed on the cattle.

Orthrus waited, laying still until the first wolf got close enough to him to

attack. He threw himself at the wolf, tearing it to pieces with one bite.

The howls of the dying wolf caught the attention of the rest of the pack

and convinced of their own superior numbers the continued to attack.

Orthrus attacked wolf after wolf until all that was left was torn flesh,

blood, and fur scattered across the meadow.

Orthrus stood huge and covered in the blood of the wolves, content that

he had done his duty and his cattle were safe. However, Orthrus was

unaware that a new threat was coming and this time it would not be as

easy.

For a while, peace had again settled over the pastures and the cattle

were content, eating grass and dosing in the afternoon sun. Orthrus was

always where and always watching.

For a moment, we need to leave Orthrus watching over his cattle and

turn our attention to the hero, Hercules who was about to start out on the

Tenth Labour given to him by King Eurystheus. Hercules had been

ordered to travel to the island of Erytheia and bring the herd of crimson

cattle back to the king. Hercules knew about the island and its

inhabitants, but he did not think he would have any difficulty in achieving

his task.

The island of Erytheia, was said to be located on the boundary of Libya

and Europe and Hercules had to travel quite a distance. On this journey,

he came across, and killed, many other creatures and it is said that he

created two mountains to show to the world how long and amazing his

journey had been. Other stories state that instead of creating two new

mountains, Hercules split one mountain in half, but either way they

became knows as the Gates or Pillars of Hercules. Between them runs

the Strait of Gibraltar.

Hercules finally approached the island of Erytheia by sailing there in a

goblet which was given to him by the Sun, who was a great admirer of

Hercules and his abilities.

The first Orthrus knew of his approaching fate was when a stranger

appeared on the horizon and approached the mighty hound in a

confident manner, showing no fear. Orthrus knew at once that this

stranger meant danger and threw himself to attack him and protect the

cattle. Hercules was ready for the attack and used his club to beat back

the large dog. Orthrus was badly wounded, and soon was joined in the

fight by one of the herdsmen but the herdsman was killed an arrow.

Hercules looked over at the wounded Orthrus and finished him off with

one of his arrows.

By now, Geryon had heard of the intruder and rushed to protect his

cattle, but he was no match for Hercules and was killed. Leaving the

once peaceful meadows running red with blood, Hercules gathered up

the crimson cattle to return to King Eurystheus.

Hercules’ challenges did not end here when it came to the cattle, but for

Orthrus his part was over. It could be argued that Orthrus was no

monster as he died doing the role he was given – trying to protect the

cattle from and intruder who wished them harm, but as in all stories

revolving around creatures of myth, the hero is always the good guy.

Maybe it is time to look deeper at the grey areas around monsters and

heroes!