desecration of the sacred animal. As he was returning with the hind to present it to Eurystheus, Heracles encountered Artemis and her brother Apollo. He begged the goddess for forgiveness, explaining that he had snared the hind as part of his penance, but promised to return it to the wild soon thereafter. Convinced by Heracles's earnestness, Artemis forgave him, foiling Eurystheus's plan.

After bringing the hind to Eurystheus, Heracles was informed that it was to become part of the King's menagerie.