Still More Mythology of Hercules
Hercules was then placed in charge of his cousin, Eurystheus, and it was during this period that he performed the twelve labors, all connected with ferocious beasts and monsters, for which he is most famed. Among his famous Twelve Labors, Hercules defeated the Nemean Lion (otherwise known as Leo) and the many-headed beast called Hydra. While fighting Hydra, Hercules also killed the little crab, Cancer.
A further fit of madness resulted in him killing his friend Iphitus and, as an atonement, he was forced to live as a slave to Queen Omphale for three years. Finally freed from this servitude, he married Deineira and went into exile with her. Unfortunately, some time later she accidentally poisoned him. He was carried home and arranged his own funeral pyre, ordering the fire to be lit to put an end to his terrible suffering. Zeus saw all and, although Hercules was half mortal, transported him up to Olympus.