Hercules is a name we’ve become accustomed to as a result of various cinematic depictions. As a famous member of the fabled Greek mythology, there has been a couple of varying tales with regards to his origin story and parts of his life. This piece makes an attempt to tell the actual story of the legend after combing through various sources.
The son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman, the hero was born in the Greek city of Thebes. His birth was orchestrated as part of a complex plan by Zeus to sire a hero with extraordinary strength and prowess to achieve great deeds. Zeus’ wife, Hera, known for her jealousy and vengeful nature, despised the child due to his divine parentage, leading to many trials and tribulations in his life.
As Hercules grew, his incredible strength and courage became evident. However, Hera’s wrath caused him to be afflicted by madness, leading to him committing a series of horrific acts, including killing his own family. Overcome with remorse, the young hero sought penance and redemption through a series of challenges, culminating in the famous Twelve Labours.
These labours were set by King Eurystheus, acting on the orders of Hera, who sought to test Hercules’ strength and drive him to his limits. Here is a detailed overview of each labour and how he overcame them:
1. Slay the Nemean Lion
Hercules’ first labour was to kill the Nemean Lion, a beast with impenetrable golden fur and claws. To defeat the lion, he strangled it with his bare hands, unable to pierce its hide with weapons. He then used the lion’s sharp claws to skin it, crafting a cloak that made him nearly invulnerable.
2. Slay the Lernaean Hydra
The second labour required him to slay the Lernaean Hydra, a serpent-like creature with multiple heads. Whenever one head was severed, two more would grow in its place. Hercules defeated the hydra with the help of his nephew Iolaus, burning the stumps to prevent new heads from sprouting.
3. Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis
For his third labour, Hercules had to capture the Ceryneian Hind, a deer sacred to Artemis. Known for its incredible speed, the hero pursued and eventually trapped the hind, showing his mastery of strategy and endurance.
4. Capture the Erymanthian Boar
Hercules’ fourth labour was to capture the Erymanthian Boar, a monstrous creature terrorizing the region of Erymanthus. After chasing the boar into deep snow, he managed to capture it alive and subdued it.
5. Clean the Augean Stables
The fifth labour tasked Hercules with cleaning the Augean Stables, which housed vast herds of cattle and had not been cleaned out for years. Hercules diverted two rivers, Alpheus and Peneus, to wash away the filth in a single day, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination.
6. Slay the Stymphalian Birds
Hercules’ sixth labour involved ridding Lake Stymphalis of the man-eating Stymphalian Birds. With the help of Athena, he scared the birds into flight with a rattle given to him by the goddess, then shot them down with his bow and arrow.
7. Capture the Cretan Bull
To complete this labour, Hercules was tasked with capturing the Cretan Bull, a fierce and powerful creature wreaking havoc in Crete. Hercules managed to subdue the bull and transport it to King Eurystheus.
8. Steal the Mares of Diomedes
The eighth labour required Hercules to obtain the flesh-eating Mares of Diomedes, belonging to the Thracian king. He successfully tamed the mares by feeding them Diomedes himself, then drove them back to King Eurystheus as proof of completion.
9. Obtain the Girdle of Hippolyta
Hercules’ ninth task was to retrieve the magical girdle of the Amazonian queen, Hippolyta. Although initially successful, due to a misunderstanding, Hercules ended up battling the Amazons, ultimately securing the girdle.
10. Capture the Cattle of Geryon
This labour demanded Hercules to capture the red cattle of Geryon, a monster with three bodies who guarded the cattle. After a long journey and fierce battle, Hercules successfully herded the cattle back to Greece.
11. Steal the Apples of the Hesperides
For his eleventh labour, Hercules had to obtain the golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, located at the edge of the world. Hercules sought advice from Atlas, who held up the heavens, to retrieve the apples for him while he supported the heavens.
12. Capture Cerberus
The final labour tasked Hercules with capturing Cerberus, the fearsome three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to the Underworld. With the permission of Hades, Hercules managed to subdue Cerberus and bring him to King Eurystheus before releasing him back to the Underworld.
In addition to the Twelve Labours, Hercules embarked on various other adventures and feats that further solidified his status as a legendary hero. He participated in battles against formidable foes, rescued individuals in distress, and even reportedly joined another Greek hero, Jason, in his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece.
Hercules eventually met his end through a tragic twist of fate. Due to the machinations of Hera, Hercules unwittingly wore a poisoned shirt given to him by his wife, Deianira, causing excruciating pain. In a desperate attempt to rid himself of the agony, Hercules constructed a pyre and burned himself. As his mortal body burned, Zeus transformed Hercules into a deity, granting him a place among the gods on Mount Olympus, where he would enjoy eternal glory and honour.
Hercules’ legacy endures through the ages as a symbol of strength, valour, and heroism. His tales of bravery and resilience continue to inspire countless individuals, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human endeavour in overcoming adversity and embodying the virtues of courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
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