It complements the tale of the Nemean Lion.
There are stories that are timeless, and the tale of the Nemean Lion is one such story. If you are someone who revels in the adventures of heroes, the magic of a lost world, or the mythology that defined our past, I believe you need no further reason. If, on the other hand, all this seems completely detached from reality or merely pure fiction for entertainment, I think I can persuade you to see this story with new eyes.
Hercules' journey to overcome his penance and conquer the impossible can be interpreted literally. Everything read is what happens. Or, it can be interpreted as a metaphor. Philosophers, experts in the field, go further and refine the term to say that the story is actually an allegory. In other words, it is a continued metaphor, a text with multiple levels of reading.
Ready to discover it?
Repeating the Errors of the Past
In the first part of the story, it becomes clear that all the warriors who have been brave enough to face the lion have died in the attempt. Warriors tend to be paragons of brute strength and skilled with weapons. How can you kill an invulnerable lion, no matter how expert you are with weapons?
Someone who knows the past and decides to repeat its steps can already predict the outcome. You may know the famous saying: “Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.”
Hercules, however, approaches the battle with intelligence at all times. He studies the lion meticulously to identify its strengths, but also its weaknesses. He visualises what he must do to achieve victory.
The story of David versus Goliath is also known for the same idea.
Facing Problems with One's Own Flesh
The second lesson of the story manifests the moment Hercules realises that he must confront the lion with his own hands. No weapon can aid him in this feat.
Clearly, humans have historically utilised tools and technology to overcome obstacles encountered along the way. Although in many cases this is the best option, it is important to remember that the toughest challenges, those personal and interpersonal, can only be resolved by facing them directly. Confronting the situation in person, with one's own flesh. Overcoming fear and stepping out of the comfort zone.
No matter how modern we become, some solutions will never change.
The Perils of Hubris
Until now, the lessons have come from Hercules' perspective, but it is also important to consider the errors made by the lion that lead to its downfall.
The Nemean Lion is associated with the astrological sign of Leo. The lion is strong, determined, and cunning. It is aware of its virtues and knows how to wield them. However, if it goes too far, its ego can turn into hubris and consequently become its primary weakness.
The story reminds us that no one is invincible and that, regardless of how many virtues one may possess, it is important to remain humble and aware of one's own vulnerabilities. Success should not lead to complacency.
Protecting Your Own Home
Finally, it is noteworthy that the battle takes place within the lion's den, its refuge. The final lesson serves as a wake-up call to oneself. Even though your castle may seem like a fortress and an impenetrable place, complacency or simply neglecting its security can be a serious mistake.
Home is one's place of peace and for this reason, it must be protected above everything else. Protecting your refuge means protecting your life, in every sense.
