Most mythologies contain aspects borrowed from older accounts of the same stories. Myths serve to answer questions that humanity was and is unable to answer in simple ways. Because of the desire for knowledge that humanity has always had, those who sought answers often had similar explanations based on what they were once told. This sharing of information has provided historians with a set of mythologies from around the world that can be placed on a semi-clear timeline as they adapted and parts were modified to better suit the needs of a single culture. These oral traditions, which were later written down, have also found their way into much art throughout the centuries which are now often open to interpretation as the artists have long since passed away. The image and text on the vase make the setting of the depiction clear. The vase images are based on the Garden of the Hesperides, on the tree bearing golden apples. Around the tree are Atlas' daughters, the Hesperides, who are gathering the forbidden fruit owned by Hera. The serpent in the tree is Ladon, sent by Hera to protect its fruit from the girls and any other interested thieves. The whole scene is lightly described in the story of the Eleventh Labor of Heracles told by Apollodorus in the 2nd century BC The Eleventh Labor is a traditional Greek myth that can be told in various ways. In Apollodorus' version, Heracles is shown as a trickster figure as well as a hero. He is portrayed as intelligent and strong in his various trials to get apples from the garden. First he must find out where the garden is, which he does by trapping the Old Man of the Sea, Nereus, who is a shape-shifter and is not easily restrained. Following Nereus' instructions, Heracles finds himself fighting with Anta...... middle of paper ......and loses his immortality while in the Garden of the Hesperides eating apples will cause immortality. Despite this small difference, in both stories apples distinctly represent mortality. Greek mythology is a well-known religion, and the twelve labors of Heracles are to some extent common knowledge. However, it is not often compared to monotheistic religions due to its polytheistic nature. When reading the details of the famous Greek myths, it is difficult not to notice their roots in much older religions than monotheism. The heroes, morals, and stories of Greek mythology all contain aspects borrowed from much older religions such as Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Sumerian religions. While Heracles may be the most famous demigod in modern popular culture, he is simply an adaptation and combination of older, more mysterious heroes from other religions around the world..