Greek and Roman Mythology: Heroes: Hercules
[ Achilles ] [ Atlanta ] [ Bellerophon ] [ Hercules ] [ Jason ] [ Odysseus ] [ Perseus ] [ Proteus ] [ Theseus ]
Hercules was considered one of the greatest heroes of mythology. He was known as a demi-god and
personified great strength and courage. Hercule's performed great tasks from the moment of birth when he strangled two
snakes that Hera sent to his bed to kill him. Hercule's was not always the great hero and was sometimes
known for fits of madness. One day in a fit of madness he even killed his own children and his first wife Megara. In order
to attone for this deed, Hercule's was to perform 12 labors for his cousin King Eurystheus.
Pronunciation: HE rah kleez
12 Labors: 1-The Nemian Lion-Hercule's trapped the lion in its own cave and strangled it with his own hands.
2-The Hydra of Lernea-The hydra was able to generate a new head each time one was cut off. With the help of Iolaus,
Hercule's defeated the hydra by having the stumps burned each time they were cut off. He then dipped his arrows in the deadly
blood and shot the Hydra.
3-The Wild Boar of Erymanthus-This was a beast that he had hunted through the snow. After defeating him, Hercule's returned
the dead beast to the king who cowered in fright.
4-The Hind of Ceryneia-This was a special deer that had feet of bronze and antlers of gold. It took Hercule's 1 year
to accomplish this task.
5-The Stymphalian Birds-These birds had wings, beaks, and claws of bronze. Hercule's scattered them by shaking a bronze
rattle that Athena helped him to make.
6-The Augean Stables-These were the gross stables of King Elis of Augeus. Hercule's cleaned them by diverting the
two nearby rivers and flooding the stables.
7-The Cretan Bull-This is a bull Hercule's captured that had been plaguing the island of Crete.
8-The Horses of Diomedes-These were wild beasts that Hercule's captured. It was said that they ate human flesh and that
Hercule's fed them their master.
9-The Girdle of the Amazon-This was the girdle of Queen Hippoloyta of the amazons. Hercule's wooed her and took the girdle.
10-The Cattle of Geryon-This was a three-headed monster who had great cattle.
11-The Stealing of Cerberus-He was the three-headed dog of Hades. With the help of Hermes and Athena he was able to
bring the dog to the land of the living.
12-The Apples of the Hesperides-These were golden apples that belonged to Hera. He was able to do this by tricking the
god Atlas to perform the task and then resume his punishment of holding the Earth.
Father: Zeus
Mother: Alcmene
Silbings: Iphicles
Lovers: Deinira, Megara
Other Names: Herakles
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Copyright: Nikki Burke 2000-2008
Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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