In the Twelve Labors of Hercules, which labor involved crossing the ocean in the Cup of Helios?

In the Twelve Labors of Hercules, the labor involving the Cup of Helios concerned the cattle of Geryon.

Geryon was a three-bodied or triple-bodied giant who lived in the far western land of Erytheia. Hercules had to seize Geryon’s famous red cattle and drive them back to Eurystheus. Reaching the distant island or western region was itself a major obstacle.

According to the myth, Hercules complained about the sun’s heat while traveling west. Helios, the sun god, lent him a golden cup or bowl that Hercules used to cross the ocean and reach Erytheia. After completing the task, Hercules returned by the same remarkable means in the traditions that include the vessel.

The cup is sometimes described as a golden vessel used by Helios to travel across the sea at night. It is not the same object as a shield, chariot, or boat in every retelling. The labor’s central target remained Geryon’s cattle, not the vessel itself.