NEMEAN LION

12 LABORS OF HERCULES
NEMEAN LION

The first of 12 labors that Heracles (Hercules to the Romans) was required to perform was to kill the Nemean lion.

The Nemean lion was a cunning and vicious monster in Greek mythology that was ravaging the region of Argos, devouring its herds and people. It could not be killed with mortals’ weapons because its golden fur was impervious to attack. Its claws were sharper than a sword and could cut through any armor. It was the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, father, and mother of all monsters. Other accounts mention Zeus and Selene as the lion’s parents. Raised by Hera, the monstrous lion was laid upon the earth by Selene at Hera’s request. Hera, angry at her husband Zeus, initially sent the lion to Nemea, where there was a large shrine for the god Zeus. The lion would ravish anyone wanting to worship Zeus.

Heracles confronted the giant lion. He shot arrows against it with no success. So, he devised a plan; he cornered the lion in its den, then stunning it with his club, managed to strangle it with his bare hands. He tried to take its skin with his knife but failed. The goddess Athena advised him to skin it using one of the lion’s own claws. Thus, he managed to take the skin and use it as body armor.

It was said that after its death, Hera, who despised Hercules, would place the likeness of the Nemean Lion amongst the stars as gratitude for its efforts in attempting to kill Heracles. Thus, the Nemean Lion became the constellation, Leo.

Untamed yet boldly unique, Argos Nemean Lion is an opulent fragrance that commands attention. Nemean Lion opens with Subtle Bergamot, Raspberry, and Saffron. It then transitions into a powerful heart of Intense Elemi, Osmanthus, and Leather. Base notes of Warming Oud, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Nagarmota, and Vetiver produce a wildly unique and attractive aroma.