To the edge of the world, beyond the Pillars, for the red cattle of a giant with three bodies.
The Labours of Heracles · C1+
Labour Ten: The Cattle of Geryon
No sooner… than, on no account, such was… that, as it were, neither… nor, whatever the cost, despite the fact that, give away, but for and it was not until… that: C1+ grammar for a journey to the edge of the world.
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SOPHIA
PHILO
And back again.
The story
After the old stories of Heracles
No sooner had Heracles set up the two great pillars at the end of the sea than the Sun began to scorch him. Such was the heat that the rocks began to crack. On no account should one point an arrow at a god, but Heracles did, and the Sun, amused, lent him his golden cup: a golden ship, as it were.
On the island of Erytheia, neither Geryon nor his herdsmen had ever seen such a man. Heracles took the cattle and began the long drive home. Whatever the cost, they had to reach Greece.
In Italy, the giant Cacus stole eight cows and dragged them backwards into his cave. Despite the fact that the tracks led away from the cave, Heracles was suspicious.
It was not until one cow lowed from inside the hill that Heracles understood the trick. The lowing gave away the hiding place. But for that one cow, the cattle would never have been found.
No sooner… than; on no account
MARCOS
No sooner had he set up the pillars than the Sun scorched him!
PHILO
On no account should one point an arrow at a god.
SOPHIA
Negative adverbials at the start cause inversion: No sooner had he…, On no account should one… Note: than, not when, after no sooner.
Such was; as it were
DEMETRIA
Such was the heat that the rocks cracked. A golden ship, as it were.
SOPHIA
Such + be + noun + that: emphatic inversion. as it were = so to speak.
Neither… nor; whatever; despite the fact that
PHILO
Neither Geryon nor his herdsmen had seen him. Whatever the cost… Despite the fact that the tracks led away…
SOPHIA
With neither… nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject. whatever + noun. despite can’t take a clause without the fact that.
Give away; but for; it was not until… that
DEMETRIA
The lowing gave away the hiding place. But for that cow… It was not until the cow lowed that he understood.
SOPHIA
give away = reveal. but for + noun = if it hadn’t been for. It was not until… that… emphasises the moment.
Sophia’s summary
| Form | Use | From the story |
|---|---|---|
| No sooner had… than; On no account should… | inversion after negative adverbials | No sooner had he arrived than… |
| Such was… that; as it were | emphatic inversion; so to speak | Such was the heat that… |
| neither… nor + verb; whatever + noun | agreement; no matter what | Neither he nor his men had… |
| despite the fact that; but for + noun | contrast; if not for | But for that cow… |
| It was not until… that…; give away | cleft; reveal | It was not until the cow lowed that… |
Practice
Answer all the questions, then press “Check my answers”. You can try again as many times as you like.
A · Choose
Choose the correct form.
1. No sooner had he arrived ___ the Sun blazed.
2. On no account ___ at a god!
3. ___ the heat that the rocks cracked.
4. Neither Geryon nor his men ___ seen him before.
5. Despite ___ the tracks led away, he was suspicious.
6. One cow’s lowing ___ the hiding place.
B · Write
Write the missing word.
7. But that cow, the cattle would never have been found.
8. It was not until the cow lowed he understood.
9. the cost, the cattle had to reach Greece.
10. A golden ship, as it .
C · Right or wrong?
Is it correct?
11. “No sooner had he left when the storm began.”
12. “It was not until dawn that the cattle were found.”
13. “Despite the tracks led away, he searched the cave.”
Now play Labour Ten yourself, as Heracles!Play the gamebook →