Heracles or Hercules according to Roman mythology is a prominent figure in Classical mythology and is considered among the most famous of all the Greek heroes.
Heracles was born as the result of an affair between Zeus and Alcmene. His birth was part of a series of complicated events involving Zeus’ numerous romantic escapades. However, Hera, Zeus’ wife, was incredibly jealous of Heracles from the moment he was born and sought to make his life miserable. She sent two serpents to kill the infant Heracles, but he displayed extraordinary strength by strangling them both.
The Twelve Labours of Heracles
In Greek mythology the twelve labours were a series of tasks that the hero was assigned to complete as punishment for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness, which was caused by the goddess Hera. Heracles was forced to undertake these labours as part of a deal with King Eurystheus, who was commanded by the gods to impose these trials on Heracles.
Heracles was tasked with killing the invulnerable Nemean Lion. He strangled the lion and wore its skin as armor. He had to slay the multi-headed Hydra, a serpent-like monster. Every time he cut off one of its heads, two more would grow back. He eventually succeeded with the help of his nephew Iolaus, who cauterised the stumps to prevent new heads from growing. Heracles was ordered to capture the Ceryneian Hind, a fast and sacred deer. He chased it for a year before finally catching it.
He had to capture the enormous Erymanthian Boar. Heracles trapped it in deep snow and carried it back alive. Heracles was tasked with cleaning the stables of King Augeas, which had not been cleaned in years. He managed to complete the task by rerouting two rivers to wash out the filth. Heracles had to defeat a flock of aggressive, man-eating birds with metallic feathers. He used a rattle provided by Athena to scare them into the air, and then shot them down with his arrows. Heracles was commanded to capture the massive Cretan Bull.
He wrestled it to the ground and brought it back alive. These man-eating horses belonged to King Diomedes. Heracles tamed them by feeding Diomedes to them and then brought them back. The Belt of Hippolyta, Heracles was ordered to obtain the magical belt (girdle) of the Amazonian queen Hippolyta. After an initial peaceful exchange, a battle broke out, and he took the belt. Heracles was tasked with retrieving the cattle of the three-bodied Geryon. He killed Geryon and his herdsman Eurytion, and drove the cattle back to Eurystheus. Heracles had to retrieve the golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which were guarded by a dragon named Ladon. He received help from the Titan Atlas, who held up the heavens. Finally, Heracles was instructed to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld. He succeeded by overpowering the beast and bringing it back to Eurystheus.
Death and Apotheosis
Despite completing the Twelve Labours, Heracles’ life continued to be marked by struggles. One of the most famous episodes of his later life was his involvement in a tragic misunderstanding that led to his death. He was poisoned by a cloak given to him by his wife, Deianira, which she had been tricked into believing would ensure his love. The poison caused unbearable pain, and in desperation, Heracles built his own funeral pyre.
Upon his death, Heracles was granted immortality by the gods. He ascended to Mount Olympus, where he was reconciled with Hera and married her daughter, Hebe. His spirit became a symbol of the heroic ideal, combining both human and divine elements.
Heracles’ Legacy
Heracles is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and redemption. His labors not only show his incredible physical abilities but also his moral courage and resolve in the face of overwhelming challenges. His myth has inspired countless works of art, literature, and culture throughout history, making him one of the most enduring figures in mythology.
In addition to the Twelve Labours, Heracles also participated in many other famous myths, such as the Argonauts expedition and the Gigantomachy, the battle against the giants. His image as a heroic figure remains central in both Greek and Roman mythology, making him an iconic figure of strength and heroism.
Cultural Influence and Popularity
Heracles has had a profound influence on Western literature, art, and culture. His stories were told and retold by ancient poets like Homer and Pindar and have been adapted by writers throughout history. In Roman times, he became even more celebrated as Heracles, and his feats were depicted in various forms of art, including sculptures, paintings, and mosaics. The Roman Emperor Augustus used his association with Heracles to enhance his own image, and Hercules was a symbol of Roman strength and resilience.
In modern times, Heracles’ image has been reinterpreted in films, TV shows, comic books, and video games. He often appears as a superhero-like character in various forms of popular entertainment, maintaining his status as a figure of enduring appeal and inspiration. Heracles’ image is a potent symbol often used to represent strength, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. His name is used in modern contexts to convey these virtues. The figure of Hercules, in particular, has become a popular representation of the idealised ‘muscle-bound hero’ in contemporary media.
