Geryon

Far out in the west, near the ocean flowing found the world, were herds of purple oxen, guarded by a two-headed dog, and belonging to a giant with three bodies called Geryon, who lived in the isle of Erythria, in the outmost ocean.

Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 5 of 8 A series of pen and pencil sketches of the lives of more than 200 of the most prominent personages in History 1906

The Metropolitan Museum of Art The body of the vase shows a mythical encounter between Herakles and Geryon.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

The placement is exceptional: The story of Herakles and Geryon enjoyed some popularity in vase painting, but the convention at the time was to show both figures on one side of the vase.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

The body of the vase shows a mythical encounter between Herakles and Geryon.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

The great Greek hero Herakles, below, aims an arrow at his opponent Geryon on the opposite side of the vase, who is composed of three bodies.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

One of the labors of Herakles was to obtain the cattle of Geryon, who lived beyond the ends of the Earth.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

The story of Herakles and Geryon has been associated with Greek colonization and trade, so the procession may reflect a ceremony connected with some venture.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

The paunchy shape of this vase — it is relatively top-heavy — left a wide expanse for the artist to depict Geryon and his shields.

Stories in Clay: Decoding Ancient Greek Pottery 2011

Seconds later the Geryon sprang up again at the entrance to the labyrinth, an arrow sticking from its forehead.

Artemis the Brave Joan Holub 2010

The Geryon licked its green lips, eyeing them each in turn.

Artemis the Brave Joan Holub 2010