Cancer

The crab that tried to kill Herakles while he was battling the Hydra during his 2nd labor, was placed in the sky by Hera as the constellation Cancer after Herakles crushed it.

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, representing a crab with large claws. It is associated with the element of water, the moon, and the colors silver and white. People born under this sign are said to be emotional, intuitive, nurturing, and protective.

Cancer has its origins in a Greek myth about a giant crab that fought against Heracles, the legendary hero. According to the myth, Heracles was given twelve impossible tasks by King Eurystheus as a punishment for killing his own family. One of these tasks was to slay the Hydra, a monstrous serpent with nine heads that grew back two more when one was cut off.

Heracles faced the Hydra in the swamp of Lerna and managed to cut off some of its heads with his sword. However, he soon realized that he could not defeat it alone. He asked his nephew Iolaus for help and together they devised a plan. Iolaus would use a torch to cauterize the wounds of the Hydra and prevent it from regenerating.

Hera, the queen of the gods and the enemy of Heracles, saw what was happening and decided to interfere. She sent Cancer, a huge crab, to distract and attack Heracles. Cancer emerged from the water and bit Heracles on the foot, causing him great pain. Heracles reacted by smashing Cancer with his club, killing it instantly.

Hera was not pleased by Cancer’s failure, but she appreciated its loyalty and bravery. She placed it among the stars as a constellation to honor its memory. She also made sure that Cancer would always be opposite to Leo, the lion that Heracles had also killed as one of his tasks.

Cancer is a sensitive and caring zodiac sign that reflects many aspects of human nature and emotion. It is a symbol of emotion and intuition that can feel and understand others’ feelings and needs. It is a symbol of nurturing and protection that can offer comfort and support to those who are close to them. It is a symbol of loyalty and bravery that can stand up for what they believe in and fight for their loved ones.