Lernaean Hydra

The Lernaean Hydra is a many-headed serpent from Greek mythology, slain by Heracles as the second of his Twelve Labors.

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Heracles: A Greek hero famed for completing twelve labors imposed by King Eurystheus. He confronts the Hydra in the second of his Twelve Labors.
Regeneration (biology): The biological process by which organisms replace or restore lost body parts. The Hydra’s severed heads are said to grow back, making ordinary attacks ineffective.
Typhon: A monstrous adversary of Zeus in Greek mythology, associated with storms and destructive force. Some genealogies name Typhon as the Hydra’s father.
Hydra (metaphor): A metaphor for a problem that grows or produces new difficulties when confronted. The monster’s regenerating heads gave rise to this image of multiplying trouble.
Second Labor of Heracles: Heracles’ labor in which he kills the Lernaean Hydra. This episode recounts the Hydra’s defeat and the tactics used against it.
Cauterization: The application of heat to tissue to stop bleeding or destroy tissue. Iolaus uses fire to seal each neck after Heracles cuts off a head.
Echidna: A hybrid monster in Greek mythology, often described as the mother of many monsters. She is commonly named as the Hydra’s mother.
Lernaean Hydra in art: The depiction of the Hydra in visual art, especially scenes of Heracles’ labor. Artists use its many heads and Heracles’ weapons to make the struggle recognizable.
Iolaus: A Greek hero who assisted Heracles in several adventures. He cauterizes the Hydra’s necks, preventing new heads from growing.
Poison: A substance that harms or kills an organism through chemical action. The Hydra’s toxic blood and venom make contact with its remains dangerous.