King Augeas was a figure from Greek mythology, known for his immense wealth and the vast stables he owned. He ruled the region of Elis and was famous for having a large number of cattle, which had not been cleaned for many years. This neglect became a significant challenge for the hero Heracles during his Twelve Labors. As part of his tasks, Heracles was required to clean the stables of Augeas in a single day. To accomplish this, he devised a clever plan to redirect the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to wash out the filth, showcasing his ingenuity and strength.