Golden Apples of the Hesperides
The eleventh acquisition achieved through Prometheus’ advice, Atlas’ burden exchange and a counter-ruse.
Overview
The acquisition of the Hesperides’ golden apples is the central action of Heracles’ eleventh labour. Prometheus advises him to have Atlas fetch the fruit; the hero temporarily bears the sky and then persuades Atlas to retake it under the pretext of adjusting a shoulder pad. Athena returns the apples after delivery, showing that completing the command does not mean permanent possession of a divine object.
Key facts
Atlas fetches the apples
In the selected spine, Atlas goes for the fruit while Heracles temporarily bears the sky.
Returned by Athena
After Eurystheus gives them back, Athena restores the apples because the divine objects cannot remain elsewhere.
Relationships
- Labours of Heraclespart of the Labours
This figure, target or episode belongs to the commanded sequence of the Labours.
- Hesperidesguard the divine fruit
The Hesperides guard the gods’ golden apples.
- Garden of the Hesperideslocated in the boundary garden
The apple acquisition is situated at the mythic boundary of the Hesperides’ garden.
- Atlasfetches the apples
Atlas obtains the apples while Heracles bears the sky.
- Athenareturns the divine objects
After delivery, Athena restores the golden apples to their proper place.
Story appearances
- The Labours of HeraclesGolden Apples of the Hesperides in the Labours
Golden Apples of the Hesperides 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.