The Constellation Hydra, the Sea Serpent
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Hydra
Hydra, the sea serpent, may be the longest and largest of all
constellations, but its stars are very faint. It is so long that four
constellations run along its northern side. These are
Cancer,
Leo,
Virgo and Libra.
In Greek mythology, Hercules slew Hydra, a horrible serpent with many heads that grew back as soon as they were cut off. Killing Hydra was one of Hercules' twelve
labors. He also defeated Leo, the
lion, and Draco, the dragon.
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