Black-Figure Hydria Depicting Herakles Entering Olympos

The beginning and completion of Herakles' cycle of labors are depicted on this vessel intended to fetch water from the well. The labors (athla, whence our term athletic) were imposed on Herakles to atone for the massacre of his wife and children, committed in a rage of insanity visited upon him by Hera. She was still seething over Zeus' affair with Alkmene that resulted in the birth of Herakles. Their completion required not just brute strength, but cunning, patience, and endurance.
On the shoulder, Herakles wrestles the Nemean lion, his first labor. His weapons, useless against the lion's impenetrable hide, hang in the field above. Herakles is flanked by his nephew Iolaos, who holds his club, and his patron goddess, Athena. The woman at far left may be the local nymph, Nemea, who raises her hand in alarm. After killing the lion, Herakles skinned it, and wore it, as depicted below.

The larger picture on the body depicts the introduction of Herakles to Olympos on completion of all his labors. Hermes at right guides the chariot. He holds a kerykeion (herald's staff). Dionysos, who holds a kantharos (drinking cup) and vine tendrils, and Athena stand alongside. The charioteer beside Herakles may again be Iolaos.

Three projections on the rim beside the main handle imitate rivets found on bronze hydriai. The lustrous glaze and crisp potting contribute further to a metallic appearance.