The Augean Stables were a massive cattle stable in ancient Greece, associated with King Augeas of Elis. They housed thousands of cattle and were known for their extreme filth, as they had not been cleaned for many years. The stables became famous due to one of the twelve labors of Heracles, who was tasked with cleaning them. He accomplished this by diverting two rivers to wash out the filth, showcasing his strength and ingenuity. This labor symbolized the challenge of tackling seemingly impossible tasks.