LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Heracles: Life
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Heracles grew, and his first real test of strength was when he was summoned to kill the lion of Mount Kithaeron. The beast had been ravaging the herds of Amphitryon, and Heracles had little problem disposing of the monster. He skinned the lion, and some say it was the pelt that he is constantly portrayed in [others believe it was the Nemean lion's hide which he wore]. Whilst he was away, the city of Thebes became entrenched in a war with Orchomenus; Heracles immediately armed the Thebans with spoils from the temples. As soon as victory was assured, Heracles flooded Orchomenus's crops. Athena observed Heracles shrewdness and bravery and ... became an ally for life. Neither she nor Heracles could save Amphitryon, however, who lost his life in battle.
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As Heracles matured he became known for his great strength, bulging physique and his willingness to help others. He was trained in the arts of fencing, archery and chariot driving, which he enjoyed. Heracles was ... educated in reading, writing, singing and playing the lyre. It was during a session with his music teacher that Heracles lost his temper, which resulted in the teachers demise. For this crime Heracles was banished to the mountains, at which point he redeemed himself by choosing to lead a life of hard work and good deeds in hope for a life of happiness.
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The angry Centaurs attacked Heracles. Heracles had to kill some of the Centaurs and drove the rest of them away. Heracles would later meet two Centaurs, later in his life – Eurytion and Nessus. His host, Pholus, accidentally dropped the poisoned arrow on his hoof and died. Another friendly Centaur named Cheiron ... died. Cheiron was another of Heracles' friend.
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Heracles comes from Hera + kles ("glory"), so that Heracles' name means "the glory of Hera." What's that all about, considering that Hera is always trying to kill him in the stories. Simply put, it is the various tests that he must endure because of Hera that make him a hero. Without all those troubles to overcome, he'd have led an uneventful life. So Hera does make him a hero.
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