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Course: The J. Paul Getty Museum > Unit 1
Lesson 6: Design & storytelling in an ancient vessel© 2024 Khan AcademyTerms of usePrivacy PolicyCookie Notice
Video
A hydria is an ancient Greek vessel for carrying water. This one, from around 500 BCE, depicts a nine-headed mythical monster. And there's a heroic tale behind it. Created by Getty Museum.
Video transcript
They said it couldn't
be done but done it was. They put a hydra on a hydria. No, you aren't hearing double. The Etruscans put a hydra,
a mythical monster, on a hydria, a jar used to carry water. Probably to confuse future students. Let's zoom in on the hydria. Notice this freize, a horizontal pattern
of ivy decorating the hydria's shoulder. Also, the hydra has three handles. Before you think it, no,
the Etruscans did not have three hands. The third handle made
pouring water easier. Athenian hydriai were simple
with a less vivid range of colors, but this one was reinterpreted
for the Etruscan market. Of course, it kept the iconic
motif of Herakles, a figure often depicted in Greek art. Starting as a baby, Herakles
performed incredible feats and as an adult, the adventures continued,
even slaying a nine-headed hydra. The hydra was so fearsome as every time a head was cut off,
two more grew back in its place. Quite the pickle. Let's see how Herakles
conquered this beast. Personally, I would have just gone for its
heart rather than slice off every head. Perhaps there's a life lesson
in the hydra's story. The solution to the problem is often
about shifting your point of view. Or maybe we are just supposed
to appreciate the hydra, a cool monster that looks
pretty good on a hydria. What story would you
put on a modern day hydria?