What is the mythical beast hydra?

Answer 1

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The Hydra which lived in the swamps near to the ancient city of Lerna in Argolis, was a terrifying monster which like the Nemean lion was the offspring of Echidna (half maiden - half serpent), and Typhon (had 100 heads), other versions think that the Hydra was the offspring of Styx and the Titan Pallas. The Hydra had the body of a serpent and many heads (the number of heads deviates from five up to one hundred there are many versions but generally nine is accepted as standard), of which one could never be harmed by any weapon, and if any of the other heads were severed another would grow in its place (in some versions two would grow). Also the stench from the Hydra's breath was enough to kill man or beast (in other versions it was a deadly venom). When it emerged from the swamp it would attack herds of cattle and local villagers, devouring them with its numerous heads. It totally terrorized the vicinity for many years.

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Asker's Comment:

I was told that it was a five headed dog from the bible. I knew it was multi-headed serpant just didn't know the history. Thanks

Answer 2

I heard in the Apprentice that it was a Greek mythology creature with many heads that if one of it is chopped of, it regrows that head

Answer 3

Hydra a serpent/dragon with multiple heads (generally 7 or 9 heads.)

If cut off, the heads would grow back. The Hydra lived in the Lernean marshes, near Argolis (the region around Argos in Greece.)

Greek Mythology- The Hydra had 9 heads, and the middle one was immortal. Hercules fought the Hydra with his club, but each time he knocked off a head, two more would grow back. Finally, he used a torch to burn off the new heads, and buried the immortal one under a rock. Arrows dipped in the Hydra's blood were poisonous. Hercules accidentally shot Chiron with one later on.

Source(s):

http://www.eaudrey.com/myth/hydra.htm
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hydra…

Answer 4

Generally, an acient beast that lived with the body of a serpent and many heads. Nine heads is the standard. The beast also had poisonous breath. The Hydra of Lerna was killded by Hercules.

Source(s):

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hydra…