All 3 Uses of
Hydra
in
The Aeneid
- Before the passage, horrid Hydra stands, And Briareus with all his hundred hands; Gorgons, Geryon with his triple frame; And vain Chimaera vomits empty flame.†
Book 6 *
- More formidable Hydra stands within, Whose jaws with iron teeth severely grin.†
Book 6
- Proud of his steeds, he smokes along the field; His father's hydra fills his ample shield: A hundred serpents hiss about the brims; The son of Hercules he justly seems By his broad shoulders and gigantic limbs; Of heav'nly part, and part of earthly blood, A mortal woman mixing with a god.†
Book 7
Definition:
-
(Hydra from Greek mythology) Greek mythology: a monster with nine heads; when struck off each head was replaced by two new ones
or more generally (as a common noun):
trouble that cannot be overcome by a single effort because of its many aspects or its persistent and pervasive quality