The first he had been ordered by Eurysthes is for Hercules to kill a lion which resided in the dangerous Nemean valley. In the forests in which the lion lived therefore he was immediately hastened. Soon, he saw the lion and aimed his bow, however to pierce the dense hide he could not. Then he beat the lion by means of the club he always carried. In vain however, he was barely able to kill it. At last Hercules snatched the lion by his huge arms and squeezed its jaws. After a short time he killed it in this manner. Then he carried the body of the lion to the town and after wore the hide as clothing.
All the inhabitants of this country, when they received report of the lion's death, were most joyful and held Hercules in great honor.