The Mares Of Diomedes

Diomedes, king of Thrace, owned four gigantic mares that he kept fed on human flesh. The horses were unnaturally large, unnaturally vicious, and were clapped in iron to keep them under control. Whether the madness of the mares was just their temperament or a side effect of their unorthodox diet was unclear. As part of his labors, Heracles was tasked with capturing them. With the aid of several volunteers, Heracles broke the chains restraining the horses, leaving them in the care of his friend Abderus, so he could deal with Diomedes and his men. Returning victorious, Heracles was shocked to find the mares had killed and devoured Abderus, and in revenge, threw Diomedes to his horses, giving him the end had had sent many others to. Pacified after devouring their former master, Heracles was able to bind the mouths of the mares, and he then brought them back to King Eurystheus as proof of a labor completed. It is said the Bucephalus, Alexander the Great's horse, was descended from these mares.