The "Twelve Labors of Hercules" are a series of tasks that the hero Hercules was required to complete as a form of penance. These labors were assigned to him by King Eurystheus and included challenges such as slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Golden Hind of Artemis, and cleaning the Augean Stables. Each labor tested Hercules' strength, bravery, and cleverness. These labors were not only a means of punishment but also a way for Hercules to prove his heroism. Completing all twelve tasks allowed him to regain his honor and status among the gods, particularly Zeus, his father.