5 Dangerous animals

Chapter 5 Dangerous animals Hercules was feeling stronger and more heroic with each task. But because two didn't count, he still had another seven to do. Eurystheus quickly thought up three more tasks for Hercules.

First, he had to shoot down a flock of deadly birds in the forest of Stymphalia. They tried to scratch Hercules with their feathers and claws, which were made of sharp bronze. Luckily, he was protected by the skin of the Nemean lion.

Then, he went to the island of Crete to tame a fire-breathing bull. Throwing a lasso, he snagged its neck and held on tight. Hercules leaped up into the air, and landed with a thump on the bull's back.

After that trick, he captured five fearsome man-eating mares, which belonged to the wicked King Diomedes. Diomedes tried to feed Hercules to his mares, but Hercules outwitted him. He trapped the king in his own stables.

The hungry mares ate Diomedes and fell asleep. Hercules tied them up and dragged them to Tiryns. These tasks are too easy! Hera had been watching Hercules complete his tasks. She was not at all happy, and spoke angrily to Eurystheus.

"Hercules must not finish all his tasks," said Hera. "I don't want him to become a hero." "But he's so brave and strong," replied Eurystheus. "I can't think of any harder tasks to set him." As usual, it's all up to me. "Hmm," said Hera. "He's hunted all sorts of animals, and outwitted a man, but let's see how well he does against a new kind of enemy -a woman!"