Hercules' second task is to kill the Hydra, a nine-headed monster living in the Lake of Lerna. When Hercules and his cousin Iolaus arrive at the lake, Hercules shoots a flaming arrow to draw out the Hydra. However, whenever Hercules cuts off one of its heads, two more grow back in its place. The goddess Athena tells Hercules he must burn the severed neck stumps to prevent new heads from growing. Working together, Hercules cuts off the heads while Iolaus burns the stumps, allowing them to finally kill the Hydra.