Herakles, or Hercules, the Mythic Hero
Herakles is one of the most famous figures of mythology. Known for his incredible strength, he is often considered one of the greatest heroes of myth, but a few details of his life are often omitted from the condensed lore that has made him such an icon. Although Herakles is deserving of this reputation, his negative characteristics and harrowing life situations also comprise the history of this man.
Early Life
Herakles was born from the union of Zeus and Alcmene, a mortal. Because Zeus was already married to Hera, goddess of women and marriage, his infidelity sealed Herakles’ fate. From the beginning, Hera was exasperatingly jealous of Herakles and spared no malice against him. Compounding her anger was the name Alcmene decided on, Herakles, which in Greek means “glorious gift of Hera.” (The Roman name of Hercules became the most popular.) Determined to kill him, Hera sent a pair of snakes into Hercules’ crib, but she did not anticipate his strength: He strangled both snakes, one in each hand, before they had a chance to bite him.
Evolution of a Man
Hera’s vengeance was rather uneventful for many years, until she decided to curse him with a fit of insanity and delusion after he had already become a great warrior and a family man; his rage led him to murder his wife and sons. Because Herakles was also known for having too much pride, an affinity for women, and a violent temper, many analyses of Herakles’ act contend that the curse was not entirely responsible for his behavior. For as many great deeds as Herakles performed (i.e. fighting with the Olympians to defeat the giants and saving damsels in distress), he had also committed heinous acts (i.e. murdering his uncle, Iphitus, and killing the lion of Kithairon). When Herakles finally regained control of his senses, he realized what he had done and contemplated committing suicide but visited the Oracle (a place where he could receive his prophecy) instead to decide what he should do. Since the Greeks believed that men were responsible for their actions and the gods felt the same way, Herakles was instructed to serve under his cousin Eurystheus, king of Tiryns and also his cousin, who gave him the task of the twelve labors for which he is most famous.
These were his tasks:
- The Nemean lion
- The Lernean Hydra
- The Hind of Ceryneia
- The Erymanthian Boar
- The Augean Stables
- The Stymphalian Birds
- The Cretan Bull
- The Man-Eating Horses of Diomedes
- Hippolyta’s Belt
- The Cattle of Geryon
- The Apples of the Hesperides
- Cerberus
These labors proved to be difficult and time-consuming, but Herakles accomplished each. During his pursuit of these tasks, he learned to control his temper, strengthen his skills, and exercise his patience.
The Last Chapter
Although Herakles’ life was never really without adventure or danger for any length of time, he did eventually marry Deianira, a woman who had already been betrothed to Achelous, a river god. Herakles was determined to win this woman and battled the god for her. When Achelous turned himself into a bull during the fight, Herakles broke off one of his horns, thus emerging victorious. The couple experienced even more turmoil when fleeing their community due to another one of Herakles’ murderous fits, Nessus, the centaur guide of their boat, tried raping Deianira. Herakles then killed him with a poisoned arrow. Before he died however, he convinced Deianira to save some of his blood because it would act as a love potion and cause the recipient to fall madly in love with her forever.
There was no “happily ever after” for this couple. Even though Herakles got married, he still set off on adventures leaving Deianira behind with several children. While away, Herakles had numerous affairs and reputedly fathered many children throughout Greece in his lifetime. This affinity for women would become his ultimate downfall. From rumors, Deianira heard that while on one of his adventures, Herakles took a new young bride whom he was taking back to his home with Deianira. Once she confirmed the rumors, Deinara remembered the potion, soaked a shirt in the diluted blood, and sent the garment to Herakles. When he put it on, the shirt caused him excruciating pain and when he tried to remove it, pieces of his flesh tore off as well.
Deianira, realizing what she had done, hanged herself while Herakles, in so much pain and unable to heal, requested that a funeral pyre be made where he immolated himself. As Herakles was burning alive, the gods, even Hera, decided that he had endured enough and took his body to Olympus. The demi-god had left mortal Earth but became a god himself.
Herakles, or Hercules, is still a popular icon today. His myths have been told and retold over centuries, and they are no less fascinating now than they were many years ago. Many students write an essay about him, children like his adventures. If you need a similar essay on other topics, read paper writing websites for more information and help with different writing styles.
