Hydre de Lerne
The French for the mythical hydra is Hydre de Lerne.
Hydre de Lerne names the many-headed serpent of Greek myth, the Lernaean Hydra. On its own, L'hydre is the most common way to refer to the creature.
Meaning: mythical serpent (name)
Which one should you use?
Hydre de Lerne refers specifically to the mythological beast, while hydre alone is also the word for the small freshwater polyps of the biological genus.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine. Before it the article becomes l', as in l'Hydre.
Did you know?
- While the creature is legendary, the French term hydre is also used metaphorically in political or social contexts to describe a 'hydre à plusieurs têtes', a multi-headed menace or a complex, growing problem.
- The word hydre is a cognate of the English word 'hydrate' and the French word hydrogène because they all share a root meaning 'water'.
- The term Hydre de Lerne shares its roots with the Greek word for water, meaning the name itself is etymologically linked to the creature's aquatic environment.
Examples in context
- On dit que l'hydre est invincible.They say that the Hydra is invincible.
- Tu te souviens de ce dessin animé avec ce monstre à plusieurs têtes ?Do you remember that cartoon with the monster with multiple heads?
- L'Hydre de Lerne est terrifiante.The Lernaean Hydra is terrifying.
- Hercule a combattu l'Hydre de Lerne.Hercules fought the Lernaean Hydra.
- Il y a une légende sur l'Hydre de Lerne.There is a legend about the Lernaean Hydra.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a museum exhibit.
- HugoTu as vu la statue de l'Hydre de Lerne ?Did you see the statue of the Lernaean Hydra?
- ChloéOui, elle est vraiment impressionnante, Hugo.Yes, it is truly impressive, Hugo.
- HugoJe l'ai trouvée très mystérieuse.I found it very mysterious.
- ChloéJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hydra” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lerne, de, hydre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
