Leo Astrology - Leo In Greek Mythology

Leo is Latin for "lion".

The Leo Zodiac sign comes from the ferocious Nemean Lion, whose slain was the first of Hercule's Twelve Labors.

According to Greek mythology , the ferocious beast was the offspring of Zeus and Selene (Goddess of the Moon). Selene deliberately let the lion loose on the population of Nemea because they did not pay her due homage.

Hercule's task to bring to King Eurystheus the skin of the lion was almost an impossible one.

Upon reaching Nemea and trying to track the lion, Hercules soon discovered that arrows were useless against the creature, as its hide was extremely tough. He followed the lion to a cave which had two entrances. Blocking one of the doorways, the hero approached the fierce lion through the other. Then, grasping the beast within his mighty arms and ignoring its powerful claws, Hercules held the lion tightly until he had choked it to death.

Once the huge lion was dead, Hercules set about skinning the beast, but he could not tear the hide. He soon realized that the best tool to cut the hide would be the beast’s very own claws, which were very sharp and managed to penetrate the skin.

When he finished, he used the lion's skin as a cloak, pulling the head over his own as a helmet. This impenetrable armor created from the lion's hide would make Hercules even more powerful than before, symbolically adopting the attributes of the lion.

When Hercules arrived back in front of the king, Eurystheus was so amazed that the hero had managed to achieve such an impossible task that he grew fearful of Hercules and forbade him from entering through the gates of the City. He ordered a large bronze jar to be buried in the ground, so he can hide from Hercules, if needed. Further, the King Eurystheus communicated his commands regarding the future labors of Hercules through a herald, refusing to meet the hero face to face.

Later, it is said that Zeus hung the lion's likeness in the heavens, as Constellation Leo, which shines to this day.

Leo Horoscope Traits

Ruled by the Sun, the natives in Leo are warm and generous. They always need to be in the center of attention, therefore they need to find something they can shine at. They have the need to feel special. Loving the audience so much, they can make anything look interesting. They make great teachers and actors.

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