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the Hesperides. Hercules is directed to search for the sacred tree of wisdom and to pick its golden apples. Asking to be shown the quickest way, he is told that the way is long, that three fair maidens cherish the tree and watch over its fruit and that both tree and maidens are protected by a hundred-headed dragon. He comes upon Prometheus in agony, chained to a rock and being attacked by vultures. Ignoring his own urges to hasten upon his quest, Hercules frees Prometheus and nurses him back to health. Worn with wandering and fear, Hercules hears that the tree can be found near a distant mountain. Taking heed, he turns east but is arrested by a sense of deep distress: before him is Atlas, staggering under the load of worlds, bowed with pain but asking no help. Hercules forgets his own search and rushes to aid him, lifting the burden from his brother onto his own back. The load rolls off and both stand free. With love, Atlas and the three maidens offer the golden apples to Hercules.
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North Africa/Middle East
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