Leo :: The Lion, Linked to Heracles' Labors & Traits

Leo, the Lion, is the fifth sign of the Zodiac and represents those born July 22 to August 22. In Greek mythology the constellation is the Nemean Lion, the invulnerable beast that Heracles killed as the first of his labours for Eurystheus and that Zeus placed among the stars.

Leo in Mythology

Leo is linked to the labours of Heracles. According to Hesiod, the Nemean Lion was born to the hound Orthus, by Echidna or, as the passage can also be read, by her daughter the Chimaera; Hera, wife of Zeus, reared the lion and settled it in the hills of Nemea as a plague to mankind (Hesiod, Theogony 326–332). Apollodorus calls it an invulnerable beast begotten by Typhon (Apollodorus, Library 2.5.1).

On his first labour Heracles came to Nemea and tracked the lion. He first shot an arrow at it, but when he saw that the beast could not be wounded, he raised his club and went after it. The lion took refuge in a cave with two mouths; Heracles blocked up one entrance, came in by the other, and put his arm round its neck and held it until he had choked it. He then carried it on his shoulders to Cleonae and brought it to Mycenae (Apollodorus, Library 2.5.1). Diodorus gives much the same account: the lion could not be wounded by iron, bronze or stone, and Heracles grappled with it in the cleft of a mountain and strangled it. He put the skin about himself, and it was big enough to cover his whole body as protection in the labours that followed (Diodorus Siculus 4.11.3–4). In the poem transmitted as Theocritus’ Idyll 25, Heracles says that one of the immortals put it into his mind to cut the lion’s hide with its own claws, and that he flayed it quickly and wore the skin as defence in war.

The constellation of Leo

Hyginus says that the Lion was placed among the stars by Jupiter (Zeus) because it is thought to be the chief of all wild beasts. Some add that this was the first of Heracles’ contests and that Heracles killed it without weapons (Hyginus, Astronomica 2.24).

The brightest stars in Leo form an asterism called “the sickle” that represents the head and mane of the animal. The constellation’s brightest star is Regulus, also known as alpha Leonis.

Leo in Astrology

Leo Ruling Planet and Sign

The ruling planet of Leo is the Sun, which explains why Leos tend to be optimistic and confident. Leo is also a Fire sign, which means that Leos are passionate, creative, and energetic.

Leo Personality and Character traits

Leo individuals are known for their strong personalities and their ability to take charge. Leo people are natural leaders, and they often have a lot of charisma and confidence. They can be very generous and loyal friends, but they also have a tendency to be bossy and demanding. Leo people are usually very creative, and they often enjoy being in the spotlight. They can be very passionate about their interests, and they often have a strong sense of self-esteem. Overall, Leo individuals are driven and ambitious.