Mythology of the Constellation Cancer

Cancer the Crab is a faint constellation between the much more distinct Leo the Lion and Gemini the Twins. As with almost all of the other groupings of stars in the heavens, various cultures have mythology associated with Cancer.

Egyptian

The early Egyptians saw this area in the sky as a scarab, or a dung beetle. It was representative of their goddess of the dawn, Khephri, and was an icon of fertility.

Greek

To appreciate the significance of the Greek mythology behind Cancer, you must know the story of Hercules (Heracles in Greek). The powerful head of the gods, Zeus, had an affair with a mortal woman, which resulted in the birth of Hercules, who was despised by Zeus's wife, Hera.

Second Labor

In a fit of madness sent by Hera, Hercules killed his wife and children. To find redemption he had to perform 12 Labors. In the second labor he faced the Hydra---a hundred--headed monster.

Giant Crab

Hera sent a giant crab to distract Hercules while the hero battled the Hydra. The crab grabbed Hercules by the heel, but Hercules crushed it with his foot, killing it.

Constellation

To reward its service, Hera placed the crab in the heavens as a constellation, according to the Greek myth. Nevertheless, since it had failed in its duties, she refused to give it any bright stars to mark its position in the sky.

References

• Cancer the Crab
• Mythology of the Constellation Cancer
• Cancer Mythology