Greek Mythology: Heracles and Theseus

The Athenian government likely commissioned the "Theseid", an epic poem about Theseus. They aimed to organize the story and use it as propaganda to glorify Athens and its legendary hero.

In the Mycenaean era (~1600-1200 B.C), Athens was not a major power compared to Mycenae and Thebes, which were centers of Mycenaean civilization and thus featured prominently in Greek mythology. This is why Theseus is the main Athenian hero as Athens was less important during the time of the heroic age.

The Theseus myth underwent alterations in the 500s-400s B.C., likely driven by the Athenian government to showcase the city's growing power. This period saw Athens reach its peak under Pericles, and a great hero from the past was needed to match its greatness.

The name 'Theseus' means 'Establisher' or 'Foundation Maker.' This meaning was deliberately used by Athenian propagandists in the 400s B.C. to link Theseus to Athens' greatness.

Similar to how Victorian England viewed King Arthur, 5th century B.C. Athenians saw Theseus as a semi-mythical figure who foreshadowed Athens' later greatness and power.

Even though educated Athenians of the 5th century B.C. likely recognized some exaggeration in the Theseus myth, they believed its core elements were based on truth, making him an important figure in their history.

The Theseus myth incorporates genuine elements from around 1400 B.C., combined with additions influenced by Athenian propaganda during the 500s-400s B.C. The Athenian government likely contributed heavily to the later parts of the myth.

The name 'Theseus' relates to the word 'thesis,' which means a foundation for an idea or essay. This connection reinforces the idea that Theseus was a founder, a 'foundation maker.'

Theseus' personality exhibits contradictory traits, causing confusion about his moral character.

A theory suggests that the conflicting aspects of Theseus' character are a result of the myth's retelling over time, particularly in the 500s-400s BC.

Theseus' captivating charisma and romantic pursuits earned him the nickname 'Don Juan', a character known for his numerous sexual conquests.

Theseus' tendency to kidnap women, including the Spartan princess Helen and the Amazon queen, is considered non-heroic by modern standards.

Ancient Greeks believed that Theseus' attempts to kidnap Helen and Persephone were inappropriate and resulted in divine punishment, illustrating the consequences of exceeding boundaries.

Despite a strong heterosexual image, Theseus doesn't exhibit romantic interests in men, unlike other mythological figures like Heracles.

Peirithoüs, a close companion of Theseus, is often associated with Theseus' actions, sometimes raising questions about their relationship.

The attempted kidnapping of Persephone from the Underworld underscores the disastrous consequences of hubris and overconfidence, as the gods punish their audacity.

Peirithoüs was condemned to eternal punishment in the Underworld, similar to his father, Ixion, but less severe.

The original version of the story has Theseus trapped alongside Peirithoüs in the Underworld, forever. However, a more popular version depicts Heracles rescuing Theseus.

According to Plutarch, a piece of Theseus' flesh remained stuck to the bench in the Underworld, leading to a humorous explanation for Athenian men's small buttocks.

Theseus' punishment extends even after his return to the upper world. He finds his throne usurped by a new ruler, and his mother, Aethra, is kidnapped by Castor and Polydeuces.

Theseus, driven from his throne, seeks refuge on the island of Scyros, only to be murdered by his host, marking a tragic end for the hero.

The inconsistency in Theseus' character is explained by the evolution of his myth over time. Some of his negative traits seem to be original, while his wiser aspects emerged later.

Early versions of the Theseus myth (around 1400-600 BC) depict him as more reckless, while later versions (after the mid-500s BC) paint a more positive picture.

A literary and mythical journey to the Underworld, undertaken by a living person.

The tragic story of Hippolytus, a young man falsely accused of sexual assault by his stepmother Phaedra.

The ancient Greek hero who descended to the Underworld to retrieve his wife, Eurydice.

The Athenian king who descended to the Underworld with his friend Peirithoüs, but failed to return.

The Greek hero who descended to the Underworld as part of his 12 Labors.

The main character of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, who journeyed to the Underworld to consult the prophet Tiresias.

A young woman who descended to the Underworld to win back the love of Cupid, the god of love.

A fringe religion in ancient Greece that emphasized the importance of Orpheus and the rituals he introduced.

The Dioscuri were twin deities, Castor and Pollux, also known as the 'Heavenly Twins'. They were believed to offer aid to those in need, particularly in battle.

The Dioscuri were believed to have appeared during the Battle of the Sagras River, circa 540 B.C., aiding the Locrian army against the Crotonians.

The Romans, though not of Greek ethnicity, adopted the Dioscuri as their own deities and called them Castor and Pollux. They believed the twins aided them in the Battle of Lake Regillus.

The Roman's victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus was attributed to the intervention of the Dioscuri, mirroring the Greek belief of their divine aid.

The belief in the Dioscuri's aid during battles highlights the importance of divine intervention and patronage in ancient Greek and Roman cultures.

The Dioscuri rescued their sister Helen from the Athenian hero Theseus, participated in the Calydonian Boar hunt, and sailed with Jason on the Argo in search of the Golden Fleece.

In their final exploit, the Dioscuri kidnapped two young noblewomen and were pursued and killed by their fiancés, Idas and Lynceus, who were also heroes and former shipmates on the Argo.

After the Dioscuri's death, Zeus granted them a unique fate: to alternate between immortality on Mount Olympus and death in the Underworld for eternity. They spent one day alive and one day dead.

The Dioscuri were worshipped as heroes in ancient Greece, often depicted as divine riders on white steeds.

The Dioscuri were considered both human and divine, making them sympathetic to human prayers and suffering, and able to intercede with Zeus on behalf of mortals.

The Dioscuri were associated with Sparta and other Dorian Greek cities, being seen as protectors of people in danger, particularly sailors at sea.

The Dioscuri were revered as patron heroes of aristocratic male youth who made up the cavalry in ancient Greek city-states, representing their skills and valor.