6 Hercules and the women

Chapter 6 Hercules and the women Eurystheus summoned Hercules to his court. "For your ninth task, go to the island of the Amazons, where only women are allowed, and steal the belt worn by Hippolyta, their queen."

Hercules set off for the island, watched by Hera. As he rowed, he tried to think of a clever way to sneak onto the island, but he had no ideas.

When he arrived, he found Queen Hippolyta herself, waiting for him on the shore. "Are you the famous Hercules, who killed the lion and the hydra?" she asked. "Most men are weak, but you must be strong. We want to hear all about your tasks. Come onto our island and eat dinner with us."

He's very handsome... At dinner, Hercules soon charmed Hippolyta with his tales of bravery, strength and cunning. She was so impressed that she gave him her belt to take home.

This made one of the dinner guests furious. It was Hera, disguised as an Amazon warrior. Hera whispered into the ear of the woman next to her. "See how close he is to our queen. He doesn't want her belt- he wants to kidnap her!"

Very quickly, the lie spread around the room. Hercules looked up from his food to see a crowd of angry faces. Gulp! Hercules charged out of the room. Fighting his way to the beach, he managed to jump back into his boat- just in time.