Research source

GREEK FESTIVALS-- ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES, 196 THESMOPHORIA, 197 DIONYSIA, 197 PANATHENAEA, 199 DAPHNEP

Date of account: Ancient material presented in a nineteenth-century survey
Source: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
Reference: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome · selected passage 105
Rights: public_domain
Language: English retelling of Greek and Roman traditions
Translation: E. M. Berens
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river Echedorus, where he met the giant Cycnus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who challenged him to single combat

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

He first travelled through Thessaly and arrived at the river Echedorus, where he met the giant Cycnus, the son of Ares and Pyrene, who challenged him to single combat. In this encounter Heracles completely vanquished {248} his opponent, who was killed in the contest; but now a mightier adversary appeared on the scene, for the war-god himself came to avenge his son. A terrible struggle ensued, which had lasted some time, when Zeus interfered between the brothers, and put an end to the strife by hurling a thunderbolt between them. Heracles proceeded on his journey, and reached the banks of the river Eridanus, where dwelt the Nymphs, daughters of Zeus and Themis. On seeking advice from them as to his route, they directed him to the old sea-god Nereus, who alone knew the way to the Garden of the Hesperides. Heracles found him asleep, and seizing the opportunity, held him so firmly in his powerful grasp that he could not possibly escape, so that notwithstanding his various metamorphoses he was at last compelled to give the information required.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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