Hercules and the Nemean Lion, 1500s or later. The original owner of this work would have understood that this scene referred to the entire story of Hercules, the demi-god who had to accomplish twelve labors. The lion is named after the city of Nemea, near Corinth, a monstrous beast sent by the goddess Hera to wreak havoc on the area. After killing the lion, Hercules wore his pelt, commonly seen in other representations of the hero.