Michael C. Spafford: Hercules and Other Greek Legends

Michael C. Spafford, II. Hercules Slaying the Lernean Hydra, from the series 12 Labors of Hercules (28-642p/v-ap II), 2010, woodcut, courtesy of the artist and Francine Seders Gallery, Seattle, Washington

This nine-headed serpent ravaged the region of Lerna. When Hercules cut off one of its heads, two more would grow in its place. His nephew, Iolaus, helped by cauterizing the necks, and Hercules finally defeated the monster, burying its last immortal head under a rock. Hercules then made his arrows lethal by dipping them in the creature’s poisoned gall.

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Michael C. Spafford, V. Hercules Cleaning the Stables of Augeias, from the series 12 Labors of Hercules (28-642p/v-ap V), 2010, woodcut, courtesy of the artist and Francine Seders Gallery, Seattle, Washington

These foul stables, home to 3,000 oxen, had not been cleaned in 30 years. Hercules performed the task in one day by diverting two rivers to wash out the filth.

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Michael C. Spafford, VII. Hercules Subduing the Mad Bull of Crete, from the series 12 Labors of Hercules (28-642p/v-ap VII), 2010, woodcut, courtesy of the artist and Francine Seders Gallery, Seattle, Washington

This ferocious bull, belonging to King Minos of Crete, was wrecking havoc on crops and orchards. Hercules captured the bull and transported it across the sea to King Eurystheus.

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Michael C. Spafford, X. Hercules Captures the Cattle of Geryon, from the series 12 Labors of Hercules (28-642p/v-ap X), 2010, woodcut, courtesy of the artist and Francine Seders Gallery, Seattle, Washington

Geryon was a monstrous three-bodied warrior in the far west. Hercules was sent to capture his cattle, guarded by a herdsman and a two-headed dog. After an arduous journey, Hercules slew them all and drove the herd back to King Eurystheus.

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