Hydra is a nine-headed sea serpent who guards the entrance to the Underworld from Earth, called Lerna. Her breath, blood, and saliva are poisonous, and her heads regenerate when they are severed.
The Hydra was the sister of Chimera and Cerberus, another hideous creature forged by the union of parents Typhon and Echidna. She was a nine-headed sea serpent whose breath, blood, and saliva were so poisonous that even her scent can be deadly. She is most well-known in Heracles’ tale of his Twelve Labors. Heracles had to atone for killing his children when he went through a fit of madness sent by the goddess Hera. He served King Eurystheus, who gave him Twelve Labors, or tasks, to complete.
Heracles’ Second Labor was to kill the great serpent. He went to the Lerna swamp, which was said to be an entrance to the Underworld from Earth. He attacked the serpent with clubs, arrows, and finally began cutting off her heads; however, whenever he cut off one head, two heads regenerated in its place. Assisted by his nephew Iolaos, he began a fire with sticks. Then, every time he cut off a head of Hydra, he cauterized the wound with the burning sticks, preventing them from growing back.
Hydra had one immortal head, which Heracles hid under a great mountain. He also kept some of Hydra’s poisonous saliva to tip his arrows with.
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Parents
Typhon and Echinda
Attributes and Symbols
Nine-headed sea serpent with poisonous breath, blood, and saliva.
Notable Myths
How Tos about Hydra: Greek Mythology
Introduce hydras with a captivating story or image
Begin your lesson by showing a striking picture or sharing a fun fact about hydras—such as their ability to regrow body parts. This captures students' attention and sets the stage for engaged learning.
Guide students to observe real or virtual hydras
Use live specimens (if available) or high-quality videos and images to let students see hydras up close. Encourage them to note details like tentacles, movement, and regeneration. Direct observation deepens understanding.
Create a class chart of hydra facts and questions
Lead students in listing what they know about hydras and what they want to learn. Organizing information visually helps students connect new facts and guides further inquiry.
Facilitate a hydra regeneration experiment or simulation
If possible, demonstrate hydra regeneration with safe classroom materials or interactive online models. Hands-on activities make abstract concepts like regeneration memorable for all learners.
Encourage students to present hydra facts creatively
Ask students to share what they've learned through drawings, posters, or short presentations. This reinforces knowledge and promotes communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hydra: Greek Mythology
What is a hydra in biology?
A hydra is a small, freshwater animal belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. It is known for its simple body structure and remarkable ability to regenerate lost parts.
How does a hydra reproduce?
Hydras can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Most commonly, they reproduce asexually by budding, where a new hydra grows from the body of the parent and eventually detaches.
Why is the hydra important in science?
The hydra is important because it helps scientists study regeneration, development, and aging, thanks to its unique ability to regrow lost body parts and its simple structure.
What do hydras eat and how do they capture food?
Hydras eat small aquatic organisms, such as tiny crustaceans and insect larvae. They use their stinging tentacles to paralyze prey and then move it into their mouth.
Where can hydras be found in nature?
Hydras are found in clean, unpolluted freshwater environments like ponds, streams, and lakes, usually attached to plants or submerged rocks.
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