The Second of Herakles' Labors was to kill the multi-headed Lernean Hydra a creature nearly indestructible. The monster grew two heads for each one that was cut off, it breathed fire, its teeth were venomous and its blood was poisonous. On this task Heracles brought along his nephew Iolaus. Heracles was protected from the Hydra biting him by his new Nemean Lion Pelt however the fire heated the pelt and caused burns of Heracles. Furthermore Heracles could not figure out how to stop the Hydra from growing heads. It was an accident that allowed Heracles to discover the way to kill the Hydra, after knocking off one of the Hydra's heads some fire from a branch fell on the recently decapitated neck and cauterized the neck so that the head could not grow back. Heracles began a process where he would knock off one of the monster's head with his club and then Iolaus would come with fire to cauterize the neck. When it looked like Heracles might win, Hera sent a giant crab Karkinos to try and distract Heracles. Heracles however dispatched the crab with one mighty kick and he and Iolaus continued the routine until only the one immortal head which could not be cut off remained. Heracles lifted a giant stone and crushed the head under it. Heracles then proceeded to take several of his arrows and dip them in the Hydra's venomous blood. When Heracles returned triumphant, King Eurystheus refused to acknowledge slaying the Hydra as a completed labor because Heracles had received assistance from Iolaus.
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