The symbol for Leo is The Lion. The Lion as a symbol represents the mane of the Lion. It has also been considered to represent the heart of a Lion. It represents a valiant approach to life, and is well suited to the life attitude of those born under Leo. The Lion, just like many Leos, reflects leadership, nobility, strength, courage, and pride!

According to legend, the first of the twelve labors for Hercules was to kill the Nemean Lion, said to be the biggest and most ferocious Lion who was busy terrorizing the countryside, killing anyone in its path. It was also renowned for its impenetrable hide, which was able to withstand any piercing by use of wood, stone or metal. Some considered this Lion to be an offspring of Zeus and Selene the Moon Goddess. It was believed Selene sent the Lion from the Moon to the village of Nemea in Argolis, to wreak havoc for not respecting her highly enough.

Upon reaching the Lion's den, the Lion showed itself and prepared to attack in its defense. Hercules shot an arrow into its heart, but it simply bounced off the Lion's tough skin. Realizing that arrows were useless against the Lion's hide, Hercules had to think of a plan instantly. He quickly set about blocking one of the two entrances to the cave, and went back into the Lion's den through the other entrance. He knew he would have to fight the beast with his raw strength and bare hands in order to kill it. The two went head on at each other, and Hercules was able to get a grip on the Lion's throat. He rammed his fist down its throat and did not release his strangle hold until he was sure he had killed the mighty beast.

Hercules then attempted to skin the Lion of its incredibly strong hide, but could not find an object sharp enough to penetrate it. In the end, he had to use one of the Lion's piercingly sharp claws to skin it. He wore the Lion's pelt as a cloak of impenetrable protection from that day on, with its head on his own as his helmet. Hercules was now even more powerful than he had ever been. He gained the strength and characteristics of the mighty Lion which he used to accomplish his remaining eleven labors.

Zeus was rumored to place the image of the Lion in the stars above, as a mark of respect for its unquestionable courage and strength. Another legend states that Hera sent Hercules to kill the Lion, as one of his labors, once again hoping the mighty warrior would die. Upon hearing of his conquest, she was so upset, that she placed the image of her favorite Lion in the night skies, where it still sits with pride as the constellation Leo!