Augean Stables
The long-neglected cattle-yard cleansed in one day by diverting two rivers.
Overview
The Augean Stables are an engineering problem rather than a feat completed shovel by shovel. Vast herds have left years of accumulated filth; Heracles opens the enclosure, diverts the Alpheus and Peneus through it, and gives the water an outlet so the entire yard is cleansed in one day. The work is materially complete, yet Eurystheus rejects it because of the payment agreement.
Key facts
Cleansed by two diverted rivers
Heracles breaches the wall and directs the Alpheus and Peneus through the yard.
Completed but not counted
The yard is genuinely cleared in one day; rejection concerns payment, not failure to finish.
Relationships
- Labours of Heraclespart of the Labours
This figure, target or episode belongs to the commanded sequence of the Labours.
- Augeasowns the stables
Augeas owns the vast long-neglected cattle-yard and herds.
- Heraclescleans in one day by diverted rivers
Heracles diverts two rivers and cleans the stables in one day.
Story appearances
- The Labours of HeraclesAugean Stables in the Labours
Augean Stables enters this story through Heracles' labours; when other stories return to the figure, they follow that later setting.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.