Unsure where to go, Herakles first captured first captured Nereus (The Old Man of the Sea). Nereus was a shapeshifting god who was also known for his gift of prophecy and for never lying. Nereus, much like Proteus would only give answers to those who could defeat him. This is why when Nereus woke up and began changing shape into vicious creatures in order to get Herakles to let him go, Herakles held fast. Nereus told Herakles where the Garden of the Hesperides and advised Herakles to get Atlas to pick the apples rather than do it himself.