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Ladon | |
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The Ladon was a largely insignificant creature from Greek mythology, despite its relative popularity. It was described as a dragon, most commonly a serpent with multiple heads -- upwards to one hundred. Its parentage differed from source to source, citing Typhon and Echidne, Phorcys and Ceto, or Gaia. Hera alone could have also created the monster to serve her. Other than this, no description about the monster is given. The ever-watchful Ladon guarded the golden apples of Hera, which were the wedding gift from her grandmother (and grandmother-in-law) Gaia, the earth. The tree on which they grew and around which Ladon wound itself was located in the western garden of the Hesperides, the three sister nymphs at the edge of the world. These golden apples are not to be confused with Eris's apples of discord, and by some accounts, would grant immortality. Heracles' eleventh labor was to retrieve these apples. He was able to do so with the help of Atlas in exchange for carrying his worldly burden for the Titan while he took the fruit. The giant's only concern was the dragon, Ladon, whom Heracles quickly dispatched with an arrow over the garden walls. The laments of Aigle, one of the sisters, could be heard across the world. When Atlas returned with the shining bounty, he refused to take up the earth once more. Seemingly accepting his fate, Heracles agreed to remain in Atlas's stead, but only if the Titan would allow his to get a more comfortable hold on his new burden. As soon as Atlas took up the world once more, Heracles left him to resume his punishment. To commemorate Ladon, the goddess Hera placed her servant in the sky as the constellation Draco. Its image was also emblazoned on the shield of its killer. The name of Ladon bears resemblance to "Lotan," an evil, multi-headed, ancient Assyrian sea serpent. Content-type: text/html
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