HeraclesHeracles is known for being the strongest of mortals. His mother was the mortal women Alcmene and his father was Zeus the king of the gods. Zeus seduced Alceme by transforming himself into her husband. He was the last of Zeus's mortal sons. When Hera (Zeus's wife) learnt of Heracles birth and her husbands misplaced affections, she sent two snakes to sneak into Heracles crib and kill him. Although Infant Heracles strangled both the snakes and saved himself with his strength.
|
In his youth Heracles is said to be visited by two nymphs Vice and Virtue while he was in the mountains tending to cattle. The nymphs gave him a choice to choose a path of comfort and easy live with Vice or a path of hard-work and glory with Virtue. Heracles chose Virtue to honor the gods and his country.
Heracles grew up to marry Megara, the princess of Thebes. They had five children and lived a happy life. Although Zeus's wife Hera was still enraged about Zeus's affair so she sent Heracles into a fit of rage. During this rage Heracles killed his wife and family. Feeling great remorse Heracles rushed to the Delphic Oracle to ask the Greek God Apollo what he should do. He suggested that Heracles go serve King Eurystheus for 12 years. King Eurystheus was on Hera's side so he made Heracles perform the twelve labours. The Labors included the Nemean Lion, the Lernaean Hydra, the Ceryneian Hind, the Erymanthian Boar, the Augean stables, the Stymphalian Birds, the Cretan Bull, the Mares of Diomedes, the Girdle of Hippolyta, the Cattle of Geryon, the Apples of the Hesperides and Cerberus, the dog of the underworld.
Heracles grew up to marry Megara, the princess of Thebes. They had five children and lived a happy life. Although Zeus's wife Hera was still enraged about Zeus's affair so she sent Heracles into a fit of rage. During this rage Heracles killed his wife and family. Feeling great remorse Heracles rushed to the Delphic Oracle to ask the Greek God Apollo what he should do. He suggested that Heracles go serve King Eurystheus for 12 years. King Eurystheus was on Hera's side so he made Heracles perform the twelve labours. The Labors included the Nemean Lion, the Lernaean Hydra, the Ceryneian Hind, the Erymanthian Boar, the Augean stables, the Stymphalian Birds, the Cretan Bull, the Mares of Diomedes, the Girdle of Hippolyta, the Cattle of Geryon, the Apples of the Hesperides and Cerberus, the dog of the underworld.
Click on the icons below to be redirected for more information
After Heracles completed the 12 Labors the Gods gave him a reward. They gave Heracles Hebe, the daughter of Zeus and Hera and goddess of eternal youth. Both of them went to live in Olympus and were admitted among the immortals.
Heracles story is very popular as he is known as the most strong and glorious hero in Greece. The myth of Heracles has even been made into a Disney movie "Hercules". Heracles is one of the most famous heroes in all of Ancient Greek history.
Heracles story is very popular as he is known as the most strong and glorious hero in Greece. The myth of Heracles has even been made into a Disney movie "Hercules". Heracles is one of the most famous heroes in all of Ancient Greek history.