Saturday 30th August, 1973 BC

Heracles Halts Hydra!

Yesterday Heracles, having completed his first two labours, took on the Hydra of Lerna for his third and defeated the creature. The Hydra is, or rather WAS, a water monster. It had a dog’s body and nine snake’s heads. When Eurystheus set this task it seemed impossible but once again Heracles proved equal to it.

When Heracles and his brave young nephew Iolaus arrived at the Lernean swamps, where the Hydra’s lair was located, they were greeted by the goddess Athena. She told Heracles to put the tips of his arrows in the Hydra’s poisonous blood because he might need them in his future labours. She also said that he had to fight the monster whilst he held his breath as the foul stench was also poisonous!

Heracles got ready to fight and as soon as the Hydra came out he struck off one the Hydra’s heads with his club.

But as soon as he struck it off another one grew it’s place! And all the time the slimy creature tightened its grip on our valiant hero.

Iolaus told us what happened next. "Heracles told me to put fire to the wound as he chopped of each head. I quickly lit a torch and put the flame to the pulp. It worked! The wounds were sealed and new heads did not grow!"

Once the creature was dead Heracles followed Athena’s advice and he dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood. These weapons will be deadlier than ever when used in the tasks to come. Everyone living locally was really happy when the Hydra was dead but no doubt King Eurystheus will not share their joy. We suspect that Heracles’ next labour will be even nastier than this one!

Reporters:
Alex Moore & Michael Grimes