Books with title Labours of Hercules

Everyone has heard of Hercules - but few can name the feats of strength that made him the greatest of mortal men. Now, James Riordan's bold retellings of the ancient Greek legends re-create the labours of Zeus' much-loved son and mythology's mightiest hero. Christina Balit's powerful illustrations, which include a map showing the sites of Hercules' twelve labours, combine with James Riordan's retellings to create a heroic anthology that children will reach for again and again.

The Labours of Heracles are some of the most famous tales from Greek mythology. In them we meet the Greek hero, Heracles who draws on both his strength and intelligence to carry out the Labours required by King Eurystheus. He has several death-defying battles with fierce or fantastic creatures. At other times he is sent on seemingly impossible tasks to bring back objects or creatures which no other being could either find or carry away. For his Fifth Labour Heracles has to clean thirty years’ worth of cow dung from The Augean Stables and during his Eleventh Labour he even has to hold the world on his shoulders for a spell. Heracles is helped by Athene, goddess of wisdom. But he is hated by the goddess Hera who does all in her power to harm him. As a result theses myths are wonderful tales of skill, cunning, physical prowess and supernatural intervention. Stephen Bibby vividly retells these famous tales in a way which will appeal to 11-year-olds. The account of each Labour is exciting and intriguing making the book both enjoyable and educational.