← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Hercules and the Hound of Hades
01:23:45
Narrated by Thomas. Hercules completes his Twelve Labours with his greatest adventure yet - a visit to the Underworld.
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- [00:01]
Thomas
Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and Premium members. If you'd like to listen ad free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out Premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now a quick word from our sponsors.
- [00:29]
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- [01:26]
Thomas
Welcome to Get Sleepy where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and as always, I'm your host. Thank you so much for being here. Tonight we end our amazing 12 part Hercules series with his 12th and final labour. It's an epic adventure that involves a visit to the underworld and an encounter with Cerberus, the legendary three headed dog. But before Hercules can enter the underworld, he needs to be prepared. He'll begin his quest with a religious ritual, a famous initiation ceremony known as the Eleusinian Mysteries. This was a real ceremony in ancient Greece. The philosopher Plato took part, as did the Roman emperors Augustus, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. It's been a real pleasure for me to read these dreamy tales to you all and to get to know the stories of Hercules a little better for myself. They were all beautifully adapted and written for us by Alexandra. So thank you Alex for doing such a great job of them. Before we begin, I want to remind you that you can listen completely ad free on Get Sleepy Premium. It's the very best way you can support the show. And as well as zero ads, you'll also get full access to our entire catalogue of full length stories and meditations which is now well over 800 episodes. There are hundreds of bonus episodes that you can't hear anywhere else. And every Thursday night we release a brand new Premium exclusive just for our supporters. Tomorrow we'll join a lady named Carol as she takes a beautiful long train journey through Europe and it will be read by Elizabeth, who many of you will know from both this podcast and our sister podcast, the Sleepy Bookshelf, which she hosts. It's a great time to become a Premium supporter, and it's also a great time to gift a subscription to a friend or loved one. With the festive season well and truly upon us, remember that a good night's rest is one of life's greatest gifts. So perhaps your friends and family would really appreciate a Get Sleepy Premium subscription. To find out more about Get Sleepy Premium, including gifting a subscription, visit getsleepy.com support or just follow the link in the show Notes. Thank you so much for your support. Now my friends, let's get settled so that we're ready to drift off while listening to tonight's story. The Mysteries were said to be a mystical, life changing experience. Hercules is about to undergo this experience, a magical transition, and you too, in your own way, are about to go through a kind of transformation. Every night when you fall asleep, you enter another state. Your brainwaves shift, you dream, and then you wake up rested and ever so slightly transformed. The changes are subtle, of course, and sleep is such a routine part of our lives that we tend to take it for granted. But tonight, as you prepare to drift off once again, take a moment to appreciate the magic of sleep. It's a transition, a transformation, your very own relaxing adventure. Just like Hercules, you're on the cusp of a beautiful experience. So close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Feel your chest rise, your lungs filling with air. Then breathe out slowly and feel your whole body sink into relaxation. If you like, continue to take slow, calming breaths as you listen. Let yourself drift into a deeper state of rest as we begin our story. Hercules Final Adventure the sun had set on Eleusis. A few stars shone in the violet sky, while below the land was cloaked in darkness. The only light came from the braziers outside the temple, bright flickering flames. For a moment, Hercules was mesmerized by the movement of the flames. These days, he often found himself in a calm, reflective state of mind. He'd come to the sanctuary of Eleusis near Athens, to take part in an ancient religious ceremony. It was known as the Mysteries. Around him were other men, women and children, other initiates who seemed to Be in a similarly quiet and pensive mood. They were waiting to enter the temple to take part in the final ritual. As Hercules stood near the temple steps, his gaze drifted from the flame of the brasier to the calm faces of the crowd and then up to the sky above. It was an unusually beautiful sky, he thought, so clear. The few stars that shone were clustered together in the form of a crown decorating the night sky. Hercules had been waiting for a while, so he had little to do other than admire his surroundings. The sky, the silhouettes of the cypress trees and the serene surface of the sea. But Hercules ability to appreciate his surroundings and his inner sense of peace weren't just a result of tonight's long wait. This whole experience had changed him. For the past nine days he and the other initiates had taken part in countless rituals. In Athens they'd washed in the sea to cleanse themselves and spent a night feasting, singing and dancing. Then the group had walked to Eleusis along the sacred way, singing songs of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. And then in the temple there had been a ritual that lasted all night. And a drink. The most wonderful drink. After that, the days and experiences blurred together. Hercules couldn't remember exactly where he had slept or what he'd done that day. But he had gained another kind of clarity. More than ever, he felt sure of himself and his place in the world. And he had never lost sight of his mission. Why he'd come to Eleusis and taken part in these sacred rituals. Hercules was about to begin his 12th labour, his final quest. This time the king had asked him to retrieve Cerberus, a legendary three headed dog. But there was a problem. Not only was Cerberus rumoured to be enormous and ferocious, but he lived in Hades, the underworld. This was the place where all beings went eventually, when the time came. But Hercules was alive and he planned to stay that way. He was also a mortal. Visiting Hades and then returning to the land of the living was unprecedented. So to prepare for his task, Hercules had decided that it would be wise to take some precautions. He would follow in the footsteps of countless others, seekers and adventurers like himself, and visit the sanctuary of Eleusis. He would take part in the secret rituals to achieve insight and self knowledge. That way he could visit the underworld safely. And just as importantly, he had a higher chance of a safe return. Hercules would do something that no mortal had ever done before. He would travel between the realms. For that reason, he'd taken part in each ceremony with the utmost respect and devotion. Whether he was praying to the goddess Demeter or sipping the sacred brew, he was fully present. And even now, in between rituals, Hercules found himself in a peculiar state of awareness. Everything felt heightened, almost as though he was experiencing it for the first time. Standing outside the temple, Hercules caught the eye of another initiate, a young foreigner, and smiled. He recognized the man's expression, a look of calmness, contentment and wonder. The young man looked as Hercules felt. And then, all of a sudden, a memory came flooding back. Hercules recalled a moment from long ago, right at the beginning of his adventures. He remembered how he had visited the oracle of Delphi. How he'd waited outside that temple in the mountains with the sun on his skin. The flutter of excitement as he went inside to meet with the priestess. And now here he was, years later, about to undergo a similar experience. So much had changed since then. It was like closing the circle, Hercules thought with a smile. His labours had begun with a visit to a temple. And now, as he prepared for his 12th and final task, he was about to enter another temple. Then he remembered the words he'd seen at Delphi inscribed on a column. Know thyself. With all the time that had passed and all his experiences, Hercules certainly knew himself better now. But what did it mean, he wondered, to truly know himself? Or to know anything, for that matter? There were so many mysteries in the world. But tonight, at Eleusis, he hoped to get a little closer to that knowledge. To learn and to experience. One by one, more stars appeared in the violet sky and at last, the temple doors opened, letting out a waft of heady incense. It was time for the final ritual, the revelation of the divine mysteries. The sun rose, turning the marble steps pink. Slowly, as if still in a trance, the people came out of the temple. They stood on the steps, facing the rosy sky and the golden sea, and looked around in awe. Among them was Hercules. He stood in the crowd of spellbound pilgrims and he, too, gazed up in wonder. The sky was slowly transforming from pink to blue. A single cloud hung above the horizon, so still it seemed to be resting. Hercules had witnessed the sunrise countless times. Yet in this moment, he felt like a child. Everything was new and everything was so beautiful and charged with meaning. If someone had asked Hercules what had taken place in the temple that night, he could not have answered. The mysteries had to be kept secret. That was the rule. But even for himself, Hercules did not have an answer. He remembered lifting the cup to his lips, drinking the sacred brew. And then there were no words for what he had seen. What he had experienced. And right now, he didn't feel the need to search for words. He was content to simply be here, staring at the sky and breathing in the fresh air. This was life. And Hercules felt so alive, even reborn. He was ready for a trip to the underworld. On the southernmost tip of the mainland was a cave. The blue waves of the Mediterranean rolled in, washing over the rocks by the entrance. The cave seemed shallow at first. Big, but shallow. But Hercules knew that this appearance was misleading. In fact, the cave had infinite depth. A courageous traveler who ventured inside would keep going and going until he sailed into Hades. This cave was the entrance to the underworld. Hercules knew he was ready, or at least as ready as he was ever going to be. But as his little boat drifted inside the cave, he felt a shiver of apprehension. Or perhaps he told himself, it was just the cool of the cave. It was simply the temperature, nothing more. And then he felt something else, which had nothing to do with the cave. Someone was with him. He could feel it. Hercules turned around, and for a moment, he was blinded by the light. At first he thought it was the sun, the contrast between the dazzling light outside and the gloom of the cave. But then his eyes adjusted and he saw her. The goddess Athena. She sat beside him in the boat. In the darkness, her ethereal glow was even more radiant than usual. Smiling, she greeted Hercules and said that she had come to guide him on his journey through the underworld. Athena had helped Hercules numerous times before, giving him a sword to defeat the Hydra and a rattle to frighten off the bronze beaked birds. Most recently, she had returned the golden apples to the Hesperides on his behalf, saving him a lengthy journey. And now, said Athena, seeing as this was Hercules final adventure, she wanted to be there with him. Hercules smiled and thanked the goddess. He was so happy to have her company and her guidance. Though, of course he probably could have done it alone. The prospect of entering the underworld didn't frighten him. Athena raised an eyebrow. Well, said Hercules, maybe a little. He had to admit that even after all his adventures, he wasn't entirely immune to fear. But he was braver than he had ever been. And with the goddess by his side, he could do anything. Athena nodded. They would stick together. Ready? She asked. Yes, said Hercules. And he meant it. He felt ready. Slowly, the boat drifted deeper into the cave. The rocky ceiling was becoming lower and the darkness more profound. For a few minutes, Hercules could see nothing at all. And then he became aware of something. Not a light at the end of the tunnel. Not exactly, but there must have Been some kind of luminescence because the darkness had softened. It was no longer black, but grey, or even silver. He was reminded of those nights when the moon was half obscured by clouds. Even without much light, there was still some visibility. He could make out the walls of the cave, which were gradually becoming further apart. And he could see the calm surface of the water. There were no waves here because they had left the sea behind, and the rest of the world with it. They were now on a river, one of the many rivers of Hades. As Hercules rode onwards, his eyes adjusted to the dim light. He could see more now. The grassy banks of the river, the tall reeds and wildflowers, and the vast grey clouds that rolled above. It wasn't just the clouds that were grey. Everything seemed grey, or rather an uncanny shade of silver. The underworld had a colour of its own. It was strange, thought Hercules, that he could now see so clearly. There was no moon, of course, and no stars. Occasionally they passed a burning torch by the riverside. But there were no other sources of light. And yet the outlines were visible. All the branches of the trees and even each blade of grass had a dim silvery sheen. It was as though the realm was illuminated by an invisible moon. Sometimes the clouds descended and they rode right into the mist. But they soon came out the other side, back into the sprawling riverscape. The underworld was a peculiar place, said Hercules, but he had expected something stranger. Athena reminded him that this was just one region of Hades. It was a vast place, larger than he could possibly imagine. There were many rivers winding their way through countless lands. For instance, if they followed this river right to the end, they would reach the Elysian Fields. It was a kind of paradise, where people spent the afterlife in a state of absolute bliss. Then there were the Asphodel Meadows, the Land of Dreams, and many other strange and wonderful places. So far, they hadn't encountered any of the souls who lived in the underworld. But there were so many, said Athena. The spirits of everyone who had ever lived. And there were gods too, and fantastical creatures. Whatever stories Hercules had heard, whatever he had imagined, the underworld was something far beyond. Hercules would have been happy to row on forever, exploring realm after realm. But he knew he had a job to do. He'd come here for a reason. After all, his mission was to find Cerberus, the three headed dog who guarded one of the entrances to the underworld. Hercules had no map, of course, and no idea where to begin looking. But perhaps Athena had some suggestions. The goddess looked thoughtful. She said that a good starting point would be to look for the God Hades, the king of the underworld. The whole place was named after him. Cerberus belonged to Hades. Rather than attempt to steal the dog, it would be a good idea to speak to Hades directly, to ask for his permission and even his help. After all, said Athena, Hercules didn't want to anger the God of the underworld. Diplomacy was the best option. Hercules nodded in agreement. He was so grateful to have Athena as a guide. But even if she had remained silent, her mere presence was deeply comforting. He asked Athena where they could find Hades. Given that this was his kingdom, he could be anywhere, patrolling the entrances to the Elysian Fields or watching the boats cross the River Styx. True, said Athena, but she knew Hades well and she knew his habits. There was a place he liked to roam on the edge of the asphodel meadows. After rowing a little further down the river, they came to a dock with two blazing torches either side. Athena told Hercules to moor the boat. She got out first, then reached out her hand so she could help Hercules to step onto the dock. Although Hercules had encountered Athena on numerous occasions, this was the first time they had touched. He was struck by how warm and solid her hand felt in his. He had been expecting a more ethereal sensation, but instead she felt almost human. The only difference was that her skin felt a little warmer to the touch and had a slight charge, like static electricity. As she let go, his own fingers seemed to tingle. Then they began to walk away from the river and into the sweeping fields of the asphodel meadows. The landscape reminded Hercules of the lush countryside in parts of Greece. It wasn't so different from other places he'd been. There were trees, grass, flowers. The sense of strangeness came from the sky. A dark, silver clouded sky with no stars or moon. And yet he could see. Perhaps it was the clouds that gave off their own subtle radiance, illuminating the underworld. Hercules picked one of the flowers, a pale asphodel with petals arranged like a star. As he examined it, he tried to find the source of the flower's dim glow. Was it a reflection of some external light? Or did it come from within? Even the goddess did not have an answer. She told Hercules that the underworld was full of such mysteries. Sometimes one had to accept the unknowable. Hercules sighed. The goddess was right. All he could do was admire the asphodel and breathe in its sweet fragrance, which reminded him of honeysuckle. Some things couldn't be fully understood, but they could still be treasured. With the asphodel in his hand, Hercules walked On, he had to walk briskly to keep pace with Athena, whose stride was longer than his. After a while, they caught their first glimpses of the meadow's inhabitants. People wandered here and there, some in pairs, some alone. Although they were spirits, they looked just like ordinary people. But even from a distance, Hercules could sense their aura. An aura of calm and contentment. These people had no worries, no anxieties. They lived a peaceful existence here in the Asphodel meadows. Those who were close enough smiled and waved their hands in greeting. In particular, Hercules noticed a couple who sat resting beneath a tree, hand in hand. When they caught sight of Hercules and Athena, the couple smiled, their faces lighting up. The underworld was a place of simple pleasures, Athena explained. It was a simple existence, and the people who lived here found enjoyment in everything, from the scent of a flower to a chance meeting. This was the secret of happiness, thought Hercules. It was something he had learned, too, during his many adventures. Contentment could be found in the here and now. There was no need to wait for the afterlife. Walking onwards, a body of water came into view on the right. It was another river, Hercules realized. And beyond it lay another realm, a haze of silver, glittering clouds. This was the Land of Dreams, a spectacular labyrinth of towers and palaces that seemed like mirages, only they were real. Or were they? Hercules looked longingly at the silver clouds that marked the boundary. How wonderful it would be to visit the Land of Dreams. But they had left their boat behind, and there was no way to cross the river. Besides, Azhena was quick to remind him he was on a mission. The Land of Dreams would have to wait. To shield himself from temptation, Hercules suggested that they walk in the opposite direction, away from the river and deeper into the trees. Athena agreed. Besides, they weren't far from a secluded grove, a place where Hades sometimes wandered. Weaving through the long grass of the meadow, Hercules and Athena soon reached the grove. Above their heads, the branches intertwined, creating a thick canopy of silver leaves that blocked out the sky. And yet, even here, there was visibility. The light must come from within, thought Hercules. Not from the sky or the clouds, but from within everything, every leaf and every spirit. Shining flowers grew all around a plant like a grey poppy with glittering petals. And it was here, among the flowers, that they found the God of the underworld. Hades stood in the middle of the grove, picking flowers. He was a tall, imposing figure with stern grey eyes, but with a basket of flowers slung over his arm, he looked almost approachable. Athena stepped forward to greet her fellow God and introduce Hercules once again. Hercules was grateful for her company. It made things so much simpler having a goddess to negotiate on his behalf, so that all he had to do was listen and nod. But then Hades addressed him directly. You will have to prove yourself, said the God. If Hercules wanted to take Cerberus, he would have to battle him into submission with his bare hands. A man had to be the master of his dog. If Hercules could dominate Cerberus, the dog was his. Hercules nodded, but he felt a shiver of trepidation. He could still picture the two headed dog he had once encountered. The pet of the giant Geryon. Apparently the dogs were related. It was hard to imagine battling a two headed dog, let alone one with three heads. And Cerberus was notoriously fierce, a monster of a dog. Hercules turned to look at Athena, who gave him a nod of reassurance. He could do this. Just as he had defeated the Nemean lion and captured the Cretan bull, he could overpower Cerberus. He was Hercules, after all. His name had already become synonymous with strength and heroism. Hercules told Hades that he accepted the challenge. He would become Cerberus, new master. Having made this declaration, Hercules had a sudden burst of confidence. He dared to ask Hades the question that was on his mind. Why was the God of the underworld gathering flowers? Fortunately, Hades didn't take offence. He smiled and glanced at the impressive bouquet that filled his basket. The flowers were a gift for his wife, he explained. Persephone would be returning soon to spend winter in the underworld. This was how he liked to welcome her, with a palace full of wildflowers. After saying their goodbyes, Hercules and Athena went back the way they had come back through the grove and across the asphodel meadows until they reached the dock. There the little boat awaited them, and moments later they were rowing along the river. Or rather, Hercules rowed. There was no chance of the goddess exerting herself, but it was surprisingly easy work. Even though they had been travelling for hours, Hercules didn't feel tired at all. Each movement felt almost effortless. Soon the river branched off into countless tributaries, a misty, watery maze. Athena gave directions, telling Hercules which route to take. They were heading towards the River Acheron, as the gates near this river were the ones guarded by Cerberus. At long last, after winding their way through the labyrinth of streams, Hercules and Athena found the place they were looking for. Here were the gates, blocking an entrance that was carved into the rock face. And there, unmistakably, was the guardian of the gates, Cerberus himself. He was an impressive beast, a sleek black body the size of a Bear and three enormous heads. All three of the dogs heads were staring in Hercules direction as he stepped out of the boat. There, there, said Hercules, a little uncertainly. Good boy. What amazed him in hindsight was how quick it was. In what felt like a matter of moments, Hercules and Cerberus met, fought and made up. Of course, Hercules had to use his strength. He wrestled Cerberus to the ground, pressing down on the dog's back. But that was only part of it. Instinctively, Cerberus seemed to recognize how powerful Hercules was. He sensed his authority and he respected it, acknowledging the man as his new master. Athena, who had watched admiringly from a distance, gave Hercules a short round of applause. It was true, she said. Hercules could do anything he set his mind to. Cerberus leash. A chunky iron chain lay coiled up on the ground. Hercules attached it to the dog's collar, then turned towards Athena. Now all they had to do was find their way out of the Underworld. The gate appeared to be locked and the boat was too small to support Cerberus weight. They would have to walk and search for another way. But Athena shook her head. She'd had enough of walking. The goddess closed her eyes and tilted back her head. For a moment she seemed to be in a trance, communing with another God perhaps. Then she opened her eyes and looked down into her hands. She now held a key. A huge rusty key that looked as ancient as the Earth itself. Athena walked up to the gate and turned the key in the lock. Slowly the gate swung open, letting out a formidable creak. Just beyond was a flight of steps which seemed to lead into a cavernous tower or tunnel. Ready? Asked Athena. Once Hercules left the Underworld, he could never come back. Or at least not for a very long time. Hercules paused for a moment and turned back, gazing at the surreal silver edged landscape. There was still so much to explore, but now he was being called back to the land of the living. And it would be nice, he had to admit, to feel the sun on his skin once more. He followed Athena through the gate and up the steep flight of stairs with Cerberus lumbering behind. Up and up they climbed, and at last Hercules caught a glimpse of light. It wasn't subtle or silvery like the glow of the underworld, but war. Warm and golden. Pure sunlight. Hercules felt a sudden surge of emotion in his chest and increased his pace. Moments later, Hercules, Athena and Cerberus were standing outside the cave with the sun shining down on them. Just ahead lay a rolling meadow with green grass and ruby red poppies. Such rich and vibrant colors Hercules was so happy to be back in the world that he laughed from sheer joy. Beside him, Athena smiled her enigmatic smile. And Cerberus, who had never seen the sun before, blinked in confusion. The eyes of his three heads were dazzled by the light. But once he had adjusted, the dog barked in happiness and pulled on the lead. Eager to explore this new world. Hercules was nearly knocked off his feet. And then, once he had Cerberus under control, the three of them walked together. It was time to return to the palace. The king was expecting them. When they eventually arrived, there was quite a crowd. News had spread throughout the land. Hercules, a mortal, had gone to the underworld and returned alive. Not only that, but he had tamed Cerberus. There must have been at least a hundred people in front of the palace. All the staff, a sizable crowd from the nearby village, and of course, the king. The crowd stood in awed silence. Seeing Hercules and Cerberus was amazing enough, but a goddess too. Handing the dog's leash to Athena, Hercules stepped forward to greet the king. The two men embraced each other. Well done. Said the king. He could hardly believe his eyes. The three headed dog of the underworld standing right in front of him. And yes, the king confirmed. It was now official. Hercules had completed his 12 labors. He was free. The crowd let out a cheer and gave Hercules an enthusiastic round of applause. They had followed his adventures through stories shared at feasts or the songs of travelling bards. They knew all about Hercules, and now, at the end of his labours, they rejoiced with him. As for Hercules, he was overwhelmed. Joy, pride, relief. They were all there, but mixed together in the most bewildering way. It would take time for everything to sink in. For now, he could only smile. The king announced that in the evening they would have a banquet in Hercules honour. First, though, he wanted to see Cerberus up close. The king took a few tentative steps towards the dog, who lunged forwards. Athena, who still held the leash, pulled him back while the king made a hasty retreat. Hercules tried to reassure him. Cerberus was not aggressive, at least not with the right master. A dog like this needed someone dominant, a God or a hero. The king sighed. He'd managed to tame the other animals, the wild boar, the Cretan bull and the horses of Diomedes. But perhaps this was a step too far. The king had to admit that he was afraid of Cerberus. Hercules and Athena exchanged glances. What now? Hercules wondered. He couldn't face the prospect of returning to the underworld and bringing Cerberus back to Hades. All he wanted to do now was rest. Fortunately, Athena had a solution. She volunteered to take Cerberus back to the underworld, the place where he belonged. Although, she added, the dog seemed to have taken a shine to Hercules and he clearly enjoyed the sunlight. So perhaps she could make a deal with Hades. Maybe Cerberus, just like Hades wife Persephone, could go back and forth between the realms. Yes, said Hercules. It was the perfect arrangement. He thanked Athena profusely for all her help. Then, giving Cerberus an affectionate pat on each of his three heads, he promised that they would see each other again very soon. After saying goodbye, Hercules stood with the crowd and watched the departure. The goddess and the three headed dog setting off on their walk. That evening, just as the king had promised, there was a grand banquet. Every bench in the hall was filled with people, the tables groaning under the weight of all the food and wine. During the meal, a bard plucked a lyre and sang songs of Hercules adventures. The lion of Nomea, the golden deer of the goddess Artemis, and so many others. They would be here all night. Hercules ate, drank and celebrated his achievements along with all the others. But as the evening wore on, he found himself yawning and becoming increasingly tired. He was longing for a good night's rest. And he had earned it, he reasoned. He had certainly earned it. But before he went to bed, there was still one more thing he needed to do. Slipping out of the hall, Hercules headed towards the stables. The noise of the banquet faded into the background as he strolled across the grass, breathing in the cool night air. In the stables, Ianthe greeted Hercules with a happy snort. Burying his head in the horse's neck, Hercules breathed in that comforting, familiar smell. This was his reward, being reunited with his beloved horse. He had encountered so many magnificent creatures on his travels, but none of them could compare to Ianthe. Stroking her head, Hercules promised that they would go on more adventures together very soon, once he'd had a good long rest. Then, after kissing Ianthe goodnight, Hercules left the stables and went up to his bedroom. It was just as he remembered it, a humble room with a simple wooden bed. But to his eyes, it was the most luxurious room in the entire world. After a quick bath, Hercules changed into a clean linen tunic. It felt so soft and fresh against his skin, as did the bedsheets and the mattress. The mattress was heavenly. Hercules let out a sigh of contentment, then a yawn. Once he'd blown out the flame of the oil lamp, he settled down in bed, relishing the softness. It was so comfortable and he was so tired, barely able to keep his eyes open. He knew that he would sleep well that night. Hercules. Twelve labors were over. Now, at long last, he could truly rest. And so he did. He closed his eyes and let his breathing become slow and deep. With each breath, he felt himself slipping. Slowly drifting into the realm of dreams. At the end of his adventures, this was another reward. The deepest, most blissful sleep. A hero's sleep. Sa.