Nemean lion

Hercules and the Nemean lion, Gandhara, India, 1st century.

The Nemean lion (Greek: Λέων της Νεμέας <span title=" transliteration" class="Unicode" style="white-space:normal; text-decoration: none">Léōn tēs Neméas; Latin: Leo Nemaeus) was a vicious monster in Greek mythology that lived at Nemea. It was eventually killed by Heracles. It could not be killed with mortal weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than mortal swords and could cut through any armor.

Nemean Lion Media

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  Oinochoe, 520–500 BC, from Vulci

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  White-ground lekythos, ca. 500-475 BC, from Athens, by Diosphos Painter

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  Roman-era relief, 2nd century

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  Renaissance plaque by Galeazzo Mondella

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  Marble by J.M. Félix Magdalena (b. 1941)