UPDATE:  SOLVED at 1:37 CDT

I have some exciting news about the weekly riddles, and I’ll be getting that out either later this evening or tomorrow.  In the interim, here’s one to make you think a little.

Today’s riddle answer is an object.

It is thought of as one “thing”, although it is composed of many.

It was known to ancient man.

Beham, (Hans) Sebald (1500-1550) Hercules Slaying the Hydra 1545

It is well represented in literature.

We associate this object with the summer months.

Not generally considered an important “player” to the Greeks, this object has gained interest in modern times.

Of its type, this object is the “dimmest”.

What do you think?  Ready to tackle the riddle?  I’m in the comment section, so give it a go.

Sorry, Trudy!