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Multi-headed can refer to: Polycephaly, the condition of having more than one head Lernaean Hydra, an ancient serpent-like chthonic water beast that possessed numerous heads; Multi-headed train, where two or more engines are used; Multi-monitor, multiple physical display devices running on a single computer system
The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna (Ancient Greek: Λερναῖα ὕδρα, romanized: Lernaîa Húdrā), more often known simply as the Hydra, is a serpentine lake monster in Greek mythology and Roman mythology. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid, which was also the site of the myth of the Danaïdes.
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Multi-headed dragons, like the eight-headed Yamata no Orochi and three-headed Trisiras above, are a common motif in comparative mythology. For instance, multi-headed dragons in Greek mythology include the 9-headed Lernaean Hydra and the 100-headed Ladon, both slain by Heracles.
Hesiod also mentions that the hero Heracles slew the Lernaean Hydra, a multiple-headed serpent which dwelt in the swamps of Lerna. [100] The name "Hydra" means "water snake" in Greek. [95] [101] According to the Bibliotheka of Pseudo-Apollodorus, the slaying of the Hydra was the second of the Twelve Labors of Heracles.
Cerberus had several multi-headed relatives. His father was the multi snake-footed Typhon, [11] and Cerberus was the brother of three other multi-headed monsters, the multi-snake-headed Lernaean Hydra; Orthrus, the two-headed dog that guarded the Cattle of Geryon; and the Chimera, who had three heads: that of a lion, a goat, and a snake. [12]
The Hydra would correspond to the Palace of Lerna, the multiple heads to the archers and hoplites of the city, and Carcinos to a mercenary who would lead supporting forces for the defense. The defeated armies, the burned city and the palace buried under a mound would generate the analogies used later in the myth.
Hydras have two significant structures on their body: the "head" and the "foot". When a Hydra is cut in half, each half regenerates and forms into a small Hydra; the "head" regenerates a "foot" and the "foot" regenerates a "head". If the Hydra is sliced into many segments then the middle slices form both a "head" and a "foot". [7]