Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Carcinus

Killed by: Heracles

The Lernaean Hydra was a fearsome foe, but even the mightiest heroes can face unexpected adversaries. As Heracles grappled with the multi-headed serpent, a giant crab, scuttling with surprising speed, emerged from the swamp. Imagine Heracles, mid-battle, glancing down to see this pincer-wielding crustacean charging towards him. In a moment of amusement (or perhaps annoyance), Heracles crushed the crab beneath his foot. Little did he know, Hera, with a touch of mischievousness, would immortalize the valiant (if slightly outmatched) Carcinus in the night sky as the constellation Cancer.