Herculean Task (#4 of 12)

From a hind to a boar … or in local vernacular … from deer to pig. This time, the beast Hercules was to capture was the Erymanthian Boar. And like the deer, this beast was also dedicated to goddess Artemis. Because of this, his cousin determined this would definitely lead to Hercules death.

The boar was huge – even considered possibly too large for Hercules to carry. The hide was thick and shaggy. Hercules’ arrows would not pierce. The boar’s tusk cold pierce armors. Artemis would use the boar to punish the she was made at. The boar would destroy villages and lay waste to farms.

On the way to the mountain where the boar roamed, Herc stopped off to see his friend Pholus, a centaur. After an unfortunate event involving too much wine (apparently centaurs can’t hold their alcohol),  several centaurs died. But one, an immortal centaur, was in deep pain and struck a deal to get rid of the pain.

In this process, and because Herc helped the centaur rid himself of the pain, he advised Herc a way to trap the boar. All he needed to do was to lure the boar into the thick snow.

Herc took his advice and easily caught the boar.

Ironically, when he tried to present the boar to Eurystheus, Eury was so afraid … he hid himself in a giant jar (think ancient bomb shelter) and asked Herc to get rid of the animal.

The boar was released by Herc, showing that heroes could control wild nature, not just destroy it. (To that, I think maybe the snow means sometimes our wild nature needs a cold shower to help control it – LOL).

One writer put it this way … The myth of Hercules and the Erymanthian Boar is a testament to the hero’s ability to combine brute force with intelligence and careful planning. It highlights the importance of strategy in overcoming the chaos of nature and the challenges that heroes face in their quests .

So we learn to use our intelligence and to wits when in battle. Also, and unfortunately, we also see obstacles (the centaurs) often come at a price outside our control. 

So use your mind, maybe you will surprise yourself and those around you.