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	It was a bright and sunny day on Olympus, although this was not usual for the home of the Olympian gods.  On that day, Hercules was training at the gymnasium.  A god that embodies strength and masculinity must always keep himself at peak condition.  Many minor deities would always come to challenge the son of Aegis-bearing Zeus.  Yet all would leave disappointed and defeated.  And this day was no different.  Whether it was archery, discus-throwing, or wrestling, Hercules always came on top.

	After a hard day’s toil on the competitive playing field, Hercules would hit the showers, or rather the gymnasium.  After lathering oil onto his muscular frame, he used a strigil, a curved blade, to scrape off the excess along with the dirt and grime that he had accumulated during his athletic endeavors.  The soothing waters cooled down the god’s body as he relaxed in the bathing pool.  However, this refreshing post-victory bath was only to revitalize Hercules for his next struggle.  Word had reached Hercules’ ears that some mortal has dared to claim himself to be Thor, the Norse god of Thunder.  Stories of mortals claiming superiority over the gods fill the archives of Greek mythology and all those who have succumbed to hubris are swiftly crushed by the heels of the gods.  And this would not be any different.

	Once he had arrived home, Hercules began to brandish his war-gear.  First, he covered his shins with his ever-enduring greaves, tied on by silver fastenings at his ankles.  Then, on his strong chest, he placed his well-wrought breastplate, which has enduring countless battles.  His bronze sword was next, which was strapped onto his belt along his waist.  Hercules then crowded his head with the hide of the Nemean Lion, whose skin is entirely impenetrable.  The head of the lion rested on his head, while the rest of the skin was draped down his back, just like a cape that certain caped crusaders would wear.  Finally, Hercules lifted up his mighty club, his most trustworthy weapon in his arsenal besides his own raw strength.

	Now that he was armed for battle, Hercules summoned his half-brother, Hermes.

	“Carry this message to that doppelganger of Odin’s son.”  Hercules instructed the swift-footed messenger of the gods, “I, Hercules, the Lion-Hearted son of Aegis-bearing Zeus, challenge you a contest of strength and endurance in order to prove that you are not some mortal pretending to be a god.  For the gods do not take lightly at this sort of mockery, when a mere mortal compares himself to that of a god.  Name whatever place you wish for this trial to take place at and I shall be there, waiting.”

	After the son of Zeus had spoken, wing-footed Hermes sped off, soaring down to Earth in order to deliver this message to the so-called Thor.  At his home on Olympus, Hercules awaited a response.  He relished in this moment.  For once more Hercules would be face a challenge worthy of his lineage and strength.