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grounded, the ship left far from the sea. Based on a vision sent to him by the gods, Jason urged his companions to carry the ship to water. For twelve days they carried the mightiest of all ships, till at last they found the sea. They then went in search of fresh water, and happened across Ladon, killed only the day before, his tail still twitching. Nearby were the Hesperides, singing lamentations for the loss of Ladon and the apples. When Jason's crew looked at them though, they instantly became dust. Their famed crewmember, Orpheus pleaded with their spirits to return using his power of music and prayer. And they did, first as trees. A poplar, an elm and a willow sprouted and grew where the three Hesperides had stood. And then they changed from trees back to their previous form. Speaking with Jason, they told of the events of Hercules' visit the previous day, and how he had slain the dragon and taken the apples.

In both story lines, Ladon is placed among the stars to honor his faithful service, and today we have the constellation Draco.

Epilogue Hercules returned with the apples and gave them to the king. Eurystheus must have recognized how dangerous the items were, stolen property of the Queen of the Gods, and handed them right back. Athena then took the apples from Hercules, and returned them to the gardens.

Today The word "vespers", a service of evening worship, has as its origin these ladies of Hera's garden.

The blood of monsters often yields surprises, and Ladon's blood was no exception. From his blood a tree grew, which today is called Dragon Tree, dracaena draco, a member of the agave family. A native of the Canary Islands, its sap dries very hard, is deep red, and is sometimes used in jewelry. Dragon Tree is a very popular house plant, you might even have one!