In Greek mythology, Eurystheus’ herald who announced Hercules’ labors was named Copreus.
Copreus appears in the mythology surrounding the Twelve Labors as the official who communicated Eurystheus’ commands to Hercules. Eurystheus was the king who imposed the labors after Hercules sought purification and guidance following a terrible act of violence caused by divine madness.
The herald’s name is linked to the Greek word kopros, meaning dung or manure. That name is especially memorable because one of Hercules’ labors involved cleaning the heavily soiled stables of King Augeas. Copreus himself is not one of the monsters or kings defeated during the labors, so he is often omitted from simplified retellings.
Copreus should not be confused with Iolaus, Hercules’ nephew and helper, or with Lichas, a later figure in the story of Hercules and Deianira. The spelling Copreus is the standard form used in English mythological references.