First Labor: Slay the Nemean Lion First Lover: The Nemean Cougar After being driven temporarily insane by Hera and slaughtering his wife and offspring, Hercules has undertaken a great journey toward penance. His cousin, King Eurythseus, in collaboration with Hera, assign Hercules a series of impossible labors. His first task was to slay the Nemean Lion, an invincible beast with impenetrable golden fur. After defeating the lion, he uses its own claws to remove its pelt, giving him magic armor. He returns to town, victorious, and is greeted by the Nemean Cougar, who is eager to please.