We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Hercules

Save

Hercules is a hero of Greek mythology whose adventures have been recounted in literature, film, and other media for centuries. He is best known for his twelve labors, which he performed in order to atone for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness.

Who is Hercules?

Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. He was born with superhuman strength and was raised by his stepfather, Amphitryon, a king of Thebes. As a child, Hercules was known for his strength and courage. He killed the Nemean lion, a fierce creature that terrorized the countryside, and performed many other feats of strength.

The Twelve Labors of Hercules

After Hercules killed his wife and children in a fit of madness, he was ordered by the Oracle of Delphi to perform twelve labors as penance. These labors were: (1) to kill the Nemean lion; (2) to kill the Lernaean Hydra; (3) to capture the Ceryneian Hind; (4) to capture the Erymanthian Boar; (5) to clean the Augean Stables; (6) to kill the Stymphalian Birds; (7) to capture the Cretan Bull; (8) to steal the Mares of Diomedes; (9) to obtain the Girdle of Hippolyta; (10) to steal the Cattle of Geryon; (11) to steal the Apples of the Hesperides; and (12) to capture and bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the underworld.

Read more

Hercules is a hero of Greek mythology whose adventures have been recounted in literature, film, and other media for centuries. He is best known for his twelve labors, which he performed in order to atone for killing his wife and children in a fit of madness.

Who is Hercules?

Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. He was born with superhuman strength and was raised by his stepfather, Amphitryon, a king of Thebes. As a child, Hercules was known for his strength and courage. He killed the Nemean lion, a fierce creature that terrorized the countryside, and performed many other feats of strength.

The Twelve Labors of Hercules

After Hercules killed his wife and children in a fit of madness, he was ordered by the Oracle of Delphi to perform twelve labors as penance. These labors were: (1) to kill the Nemean lion; (2) to kill the Lernaean Hydra; (3) to capture the Ceryneian Hind; (4) to capture the Erymanthian Boar; (5) to clean the Augean Stables; (6) to kill the Stymphalian Birds; (7) to capture the Cretan Bull; (8) to steal the Mares of Diomedes; (9) to obtain the Girdle of Hippolyta; (10) to steal the Cattle of Geryon; (11) to steal the Apples of the Hesperides; and (12) to capture and bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the underworld.

Hercules successfully completed all twelve labors, and he was rewarded with immortality. He was taken to Mount Olympus, where he lived among the gods.

Hercules in Literature and Film

Hercules has been the subject of numerous works of literature, film, and other media. The most famous literary account of Hercules is the "Iliad" by Homer, which describes his role in the Trojan War. Hercules has also been featured in many films, including "Hercules" (1997), "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (1995-2001), and "The Legend of Hercules" (2014).

Why Study Hercules?

There are many reasons why people might want to study Hercules. Some people may be interested in learning about his mythology and his role in Greek culture. Others may be interested in his physical strength and the feats that he accomplished. Still others may be interested in his moral character and his ability to overcome adversity.

Studying Hercules can provide many benefits. It can help people to understand the ancient Greek culture and its values. It can also help people to develop their own physical strength and courage. Finally, it can help people to learn about the importance of perseverance and overcoming adversity.

How to Learn about Hercules

There are many ways to learn about Hercules. One way is to read books and articles about him. Another way is to watch films and television shows about him. Finally, you can also visit museums and archaeological sites that have exhibits about him.

If you are interested in learning about Hercules in more depth, there are many online courses that you can take. These courses can provide you with a comprehensive overview of Hercules's mythology, his feats, and his moral character. They can also help you to develop your own understanding of his significance in Greek culture.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

People who are interested in studying Hercules often have certain personality traits and personal interests. These include:

  • An interest in Greek mythology and culture
  • An interest in strength and fitness
  • An interest in moral values
  • An interest in overcoming adversity
  • An interest in learning new things

If you have these personality traits and personal interests, you may be well-suited to studying Hercules.

Careers

Studying Hercules can lead to a variety of careers. These include:

  • Historian
  • Archaeologist
  • Museum curator
  • Teacher
  • Writer
  • Actor
  • Fitness trainer
  • Motivational speaker

These careers all involve working with Hercules in some way. Historians, archaeologists, and museum curators work with Hercules by studying his mythology, his feats, and his moral character. Teachers and writers work with Hercules by educating others about him. Actors and fitness trainers work with Hercules by bringing his story to life and by helping others to develop their own strength and fitness. Motivational speakers work with Hercules by inspiring others to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

Hercules is a fascinating figure who has been the subject of numerous works of literature, film, and other media for centuries. Studying Hercules can provide many benefits, including a better understanding of Greek mythology and culture, the development of one's own physical strength and courage, and the learning of the importance of perseverance and overcoming adversity. If you are interested in learning more about Hercules, there are many online courses that you can take. These courses can provide you with a comprehensive overview of Hercules's mythology, his feats, and his moral character.

Path to Hercules

Take the first step.
We've curated one courses to help you on your path to Hercules. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Hercules: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hercules.
This two-volume work comprehensive collection of Greek myths and legends. It includes a detailed account of Hercules' twelve labors and discusses their significance within the context of Greek mythology. The author renowned mythologist and author with a deep understanding of Greek mythology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the twelve labors of Hercules, discussing their origins, significance, and cultural impact. It also includes a detailed analysis of Hercules' character and motivations. The authors are both renowned classicists with extensive experience in studying Greek mythology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the life and legend of Hercules. It draws on a wide range of sources, including ancient texts, archaeological evidence, and popular culture. The author renowned mythologist and author with a deep understanding of Greek mythology.
Offers a comprehensive exploration of the myths and legends surrounding Hercules. It examines the various traditions and versions of his story, as well as his portrayal in art, literature, and popular culture. The author well-respected mythologist with a deep understanding of Greek mythology.
Examines the concept of the hero in various cultures and traditions. It includes a chapter on Hercules and discusses his role as a hero and cultural icon. The author renowned anthropologist and mythologist with a deep understanding of comparative mythology.
This classic work provides a concise and accessible introduction to Greek mythology. It includes a chapter on Hercules and discusses his role as a hero and cultural icon. The author renowned classicist and educator with a deep understanding of Greek mythology.
This collection includes all of Sophocles' surviving plays. One of the plays, The Trachiniae, focuses on the story of Hercules' death. Note that this book only covers a portion of the Hercules myth and focuses on his death.
This classic work by Joseph Campbell explores the archetypal hero's journey as it appears in myths and legends from around the world. It includes a detailed analysis of Hercules' story and its significance within the context of the hero's journey. The author renowned mythologist and anthropologist with a deep understanding of comparative mythology.
This epic poem by Ovid tells the story of the world from its creation to the reign of Augustus. It includes several stories about Hercules and his deeds. Note that this book only covers a portion of the Hercules myth and focuses on his role in various mythological stories.
This epic poem by Homer tells the story of the Trojan War. Hercules is mentioned several times in the poem, and his deeds are recounted in detail. Note that this book only covers a portion of the Hercules myth and focuses on his role in the Trojan War.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser