Many-headed serpent killed by Hercules — NYT Mini Clue (October 20, 2025)
Word Tips reminds solvers that the mythic HYDRA wears two hats: a Greek monster and a tiny freshwater organism. The Mini keeps it pure mythology here, pointing directly to Hercules's second labor. Drop HYDRA in confidently and enjoy how the rare Y grants you instant traction with the crossing Downs. Apostrophes appear as ' and quotation marks as " for clean markup.
6 Across
Many-headed serpent killed by Hercules
This entry is a direct name drop from the labors of Hercules. Word Tips's hint about the coelenterate is cute trivia, but we focus on what you need mid-solve: HYDRA gives you an uncommon letter combo and anchors the top row. The Y plays messenger duty between myth and language clues below.
Crossing Helpers
- 1-Across CLICK confirms each letter so HYDRA locks without hesitation.
- 1-Down CHOP confirms each letter so HYDRA locks without hesitation.
- 2-Down LYCEE confirms each letter so HYDRA locks without hesitation.
- 4-Down CRACK confirms each letter so HYDRA locks without hesitation.
Myth & Strategy Notes
Myth Refresh
Hercules fought the Lernaean Hydra as part of his second labor. Cutting one head spawned two more until he cauterized the stumps.
Word Tips Angle
The competitor highlights HYDRA as both a mythic beast and a coelenterate. We echo that context but keep our tone relaxed and solver-focused.
Letter Pattern
Once you land HYDRA, the shared Y with LYCEE becomes a quick confirmation that you are on the right track.
Solve Smart
Watch the HR consonant combo — the Mini loves pairing H and R for myth clues. That rhythm keeps your brain on autopilot once spotted.