Gods,Heroes,Myths Greek Mythology Homer's epics,Expeditions

In the distant Pontus, there lived a tribe of Amazons. These women were not only beautiful but also warriors, fierce and proud. They were remarkable horse riders and known for their exceptional skill in the art of archery. Their queen was named Hippolyta, and she was easy to recognize among the others because she wore a golden belt, intricately embroidered. There were stories that said she was the daughter of the god Ares and that her father had given her this belt for her bravery in battle.

One day, Eurystheus called Hercules to him and announced:

"My daughter, Admete, has learned that the queen of the Amazons of Pontus wears a beautiful, golden, and intricately embroidered belt. She has asked me to give her this belt, and I have decided to send you to bring it. You must set off immediately for Pontus and not return to Tiryns without having Hippolyta's belt with you."

Thus, Hercules left Tiryns and, passing through Athens, took with him another legendary hero of the time, Theseus. After a dangerous and long journey, during which they faced many adventures, they finally arrived in the land of the Amazons. In front of the palace, they saw all the Amazons gathered, and among them was Hippolyta.

In a stern voice, Hippolyta asked them, "What do two foreign men seek in my land?"

Hercules explained, "I am obliged to take your golden belt and give it to Eurystheus. If you do not offer it to me, I will be forced to take it myself. I am very sorry that I will have to fight brave and proud women like you, but I have no other choice."

Hippolyta, who had heard much about the feats of Hercules and Theseus, decided to grant her belt. However, suddenly, one of the Amazons shouted loudly, "No, Hippolyta! You must not humiliate yourself and offer your belt to two strangers!"

The woman who spoke was none other than the goddess Hera, who had adopted the form of an Amazon. She decided to sow discord in the hearts of the Amazons and incite hatred, urging them to fight Hercules and kill him. "No, no, you will not give the belt!" angry voices were heard. "Death to the strangers!".

Hippolyta was forced to agree with these voices. Thus, the proud Amazons drew their bows and mounted their horses. Hercules and Theseus, whether they liked it or not, were drawn into the battle. They might have found themselves in a difficult position if one of Hercules' arrows hadn't struck Hippolyta, knocking her off her horse.

When the other Amazons saw their queen dead, they lost their courage and retreated. Thus, Hercules took the beautiful belt from Hippolyta's body, while Theseus, seizing one of the most beautiful Amazons named Antiope, took her with him to Athens.p>

On his return from this epic adventure, Hercules encountered Hesione, the daughter of the king of Troy, Laomedon. She was tied up and exposed on a rock as a sacrifice to appease a terrible monster that plagued her father's land. Hercules saved her, killed the monster, and arranged for Hesione to marry Telamon, giving her to him as his wife.