labors of Hercules

American  

plural noun

Classical Mythology.

1. the 12 extraordinary feats performed by Hercules for Eurystheus in order to gain immortality.

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Example Sentences

The box is carved with scenes of the labors of Hercules, while the lid is decorated with monumental reclining figures of the deceased.

From The Wall Street Journal

One particular focus was the Labors of Hercules, which Spafford revisited time and time again.

From Seattle Times

The tasks Eurystheus gave him to do are called “the Labors of Hercules.”

From Literature

Indeed, the novel reads something like the Labors of Hercules, if Hercules were wealthy and recalcitrant and overweight with a “large balding bullet-head.”

From Slate

At times, the plot feels like the 12 Labors of Hercules, with a couple of extra labors thrown in just for the heck of it.

From Washington Post