Constellations: Cancer By: Altavia Fonville

In Greek mythology the crab was sent to distract Hercules when he was fighting Hydra the monster. Hercules crushed the crab under his foot and for his reward Zeus's wife placed it among the stars. Cancer means crab in Latin. Added the crab to the myth in order to have the Twelve Labors of Hercules reflect the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac. ~Myth and Story~

The history of the celestial Crab called Cancer takes to the adventures of Hercules and their twelve arduous works to us. The heroic Hercules was another son of Zeus. Cancer failed to defeat Hercules, so the gods did not give Cancer bright stars to mark the constellation. *Legend and History~

~Location~ The Northern constellation between Gemini and Leo. It is entered by the sun around June 22nd. Cancer is best seen during the month of March, but is visible from December through June. Although the Crab is one of the more famous constellations, it is mostly made of dim stars. ~Location~

*Artistic Rendition*

Russell, Regina. "Cancer The Crab. " Zodiac Sign Mythology Russell, Regina. "Cancer The Crab." Zodiac Sign Mythology. Zodiac Mythology Entertainment Only, 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. <http://www.rrtearoom.com/horoscope/mythology.htm>. "Mythology and History." The Constellation Cancer. Legg Middle School, Web. 23 Nov. 2009. <http://www.coldwater.k12.mi.us/lms/planetarium/myth/cancer.html>. "Cancer." Windows To The Universe. Windows Team, Sept. 2000. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. <http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/the_universe/Constellations/ca ncer.html>. !*~Citations~*!