EP014_EN_Hydra – how to face life’s challenges

Hydra is one of the moons of the dwarf planet Pluto. In Greek mythology, it was a serpentine monster, the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, living in the swamp of Lerna near an entrance to the Underworld, and it was slain by Hercules with the help of Iolaus. It had many heads, and for every head that was cut off, two more would grow back. This trait made it a symbol of “multiplying problems”—those difficult periods in life when seems to go wrong, when every issue is followed by another, relentlessly, without giving us the chance to deal with them. Those moments when we feel like we’re drowning, overwhelmed by one problem after another… In those moments, we must act like Hercules: we shouldn’t fall into despair or stubbornly shut ourselves off, but instead plan a clear, rational strategy and rely on the help of those who can support us (just as Hercules relied on Iolaus). Maintaining determination and clarity is the key to defeating any monster—whether outside of us or within.