Brewer's: Omphale

(3 syl.). The masculine but attractive Queen of Lydia, to whom Hercules was bound a slave for three years. He fell in love with her, and led an effeminate life spinning wool, while Omphale wore the lion's skin and was lady paramount.

The celebrated picture of Hercules spinning in the presence of Omphale, by Annibal Carracei, is in the Farnese Gallery.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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