8 The final task

Chapter 8 The final task Eurystheus was flabbergasted. Not only was Hercules strong enough to hold up the sky, he was cunning enough to outwit Atlas.

But even Hercules couldn't go to the underworld and back, could he? For the final task, Eurystheus sent Hercules down into Hades, the land of the dead. To prove he'd been, he had to bring back Cerberus, a three-headed guard dog who kept the dead from leaving.

First, Hercules had to cross the murky river Styx, but Charon, the ferryman, wouldn't take him. "I am Hercules, slayer of beasts and men," boasted Hercules. "I go where I choose. Now take me across into Hades!" Charon was so scared that he didn't argue. Gulp!

No sooner had Hercules jumped out of the boat on the other side, than a spooky figure appeared in front of him. It was Persephone, the queen of Hades. "I've only come for Cerberus, said Hercules with a friendly grin. "I won't stay." Stop! You do not belong here.

"If you can defeat Cerberus with your bare hands, I will let you borrow him. But you must let him go afterwards," said Persephone. It was the fight of Hercules's life... ...but he won.

"Well done, Hercules," said King Eurystheus. "You have proved that you are a mighty hero, the strongest, bravest man on earth!" "Now go out into the world," bellowed Zeus. "You are forgiven."