Mythology: Jason and Heracles

The philosophical school that emphasized virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature, finding an ideal image of human strength in Heracles.

Early Christian thinkers saw Heracles as a foreshadowing of Christ, with similarities in suffering, death, and ascension.

Heracles's journey from a mortal hero to a divine god on Mount Olympus, showcasing his unique dual nature.

The afterlife reserved for virtuous heroes, unlike the divine realm of Olympus.

Heracles's unique position as a god with a compassionate understanding of humans due to his past life.

The divine twins, Castor and Polydeuces, shared a unique afterlife, spending time both in the Underworld and on Olympus, reflecting a similar empathy for humans like Heracles.

Gods who demonstrate a special affection or concern for human affairs and needs.

The Heracles myth challenges the established boundaries between gods and humans, demonstrating a unique and unexpected connection between the two realms.

A group of ancient Greek heroes whose stories are often celebrated for their adventures and bravery.

The Greek name for Heracles, which means "glory of Hera" or "fame of Hera".

The Roman name for Heracles.

The ancient people of Italy who adopted the myth of Heracles and integrated it into their own culture.

A mythical Greek creature, often depicted as a boar of exceptional size and ferocity, featured in the first of the "Band of Heroes" tales.

A series of mythical tasks or challenges that Heracles was forced to complete as punishment for his crimes.

A characteristic or feature of Heracles's personality that has been a source of his lasting appeal.

A term used to describe Heracles's enduring popularity and relevance across different cultures and time periods.

The first of Heracles's Twelve Labors, where he kills the Nemean Lion, a creature with impenetrable skin, by strangling it. The Lion's skin becomes Heracles's armor, granting him invulnerability.

Heracles is often depicted as a youthful hero, even though he has experienced war, marriage, and fatherhood. This youthful image is particularly common in visual art.

The Nemean Lion's skin becomes Heracles's impenetrable armor, protecting him from any penetrating weapon, such as arrows or swords.

Heracles established the Nemean Games, a two-yearly sports competition, in honor of Zeus, after he defeated the Nemean Lion. The Games were held in a fertile valley in Nemea.

The Nemean Games are one of the four most important ancient Greek sports festivals, alongside the Olympic Games, Pythian Games, and Isthmian Games.

Heracles's second labor involves slaying the Lernaean Hydra, a nine-headed serpent with poisonous venom, found near Lerna.

Heracles's third labor involves capturing the Hind of Keryneia, a deer sacred to Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Eurystheos hoped this would anger Artemis.

The fourth labor of Heracles is the capture of the Erymanthian Boar, an extremely ferocious and large boar found on Mount Erymanthos.

Heracles was a Greek hero renowned for his extraordinary strength and numerous adventures, but he was also known to be bold and reckless. He often crossed boundaries, even challenging gods and defying divine rules.

Heracles's Twelve Labours were a series of perilous trials assigned to him by King Eurystheus as a punishment for a crime he committed. These Labours are often referred to as "athloi," meaning contests, as they involved facing formidable opponents and earning rewards.

The term "athloi" is a more accurate translation of "labours" that emphasizes the competitive nature of these feats. It highlights that these trials involved opponents, just like a contest.

Heracles's Labours were often described as "ponoi," a term that conveys a sense of heavy work and effort. This suggests that he was not merely performing tasks but striving to achieve something significant.

Heracles was often celebrated for demonstrating "arete," the Greek concept of virtue and excellence, by channeling his powerful energy into deeds beneficial to humanity. He was seen as a true hero who worked hard and earned his status.

Besides the Twelve Labours, Heracles faced numerous other adventures and challenges. His exploits were not limited to these specific tasks but extended to a wider range of incredible feats. The Twelve Labours were just a central event in his life.

Heracles's story culminates in a tragic and gruesome death, highlighting the high stakes involved in his heroic journey. His life story illustrates both glory and struggle, reminding us that even great heroes face their own limits.

Heracles's story is a testament to his extraordinary strength and the struggles inherent in being a hero. Through his actions, he challenged boundaries, faced perilous trials, and achieved extraordinary feats, inspiring generations to strive for excellence amidst hardship.

The fifth labor of Heracles involves cleaning the Augean stables, a task considered farcical due to its mundanity and the use of Heracles" immense power for such a menial task.

The historical site of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece was located atop the Augean stables, adding a subtle humor to the fifth labor, where Heracles cleans the very spot where the grand games would be held.

Augean Stables are considered unique among Heracles' labors because they are not a typical battle or quest, instead involving a mundane and rather humorous task.

The Seventh Labor involves Heracles capturing the Cretan Bull, a story similar to the myth of Theseus and the Marathon Bull. Some versions suggest the same bull is captured by both heroes, but the bull escapes after being delivered to King Eurystheus.

The Seventh Labor features a unique aspect where Heracles exterminated wolves on the island of Crete. This is considered historical because Crete was known to lack wolves, suggesting Heracles' actions as a plausible explanation.

The Tenth Labor, involving the capture of Geryon's cattle, is characterized by death symbolism. Western location of Geryon's home (Erytheia, "red land") relates to the setting sun, symbolizing the end of life.

The tenth labor of Heracles involves a western adventure, specifically to Erytheia (meaning "red land") which is located in the west. This symbolic location, referencing the setting sun, contributes to the overall theme of death.

The Tenth Labor is significant as it highlights Heracles' courage and strength in venturing to a distant land, Erytheia, to confront Geryon and his cattle, signifying his willingness to face death.

The Athenian epic poem about Theseus, written around 515 B.C., likely sponsored by the government to promote Athens as a powerful city, perhaps using propaganda.

The only major mythical hero associated with Athens, used by the Athenians in the 5th century B.C. to glorify their city's history and power.

The process of using mythology to portray a city, individual, or idea in a favorable light, often for political purposes.

The period in ancient Greece (roughly 500-400 B.C.) when Athenian power and influence were at their peak, marked by the leadership of statesman Pericles.

The belief that Theseus was a real king of Athens, a legendary figure who established the foundations of the city's greatness, contributing to Athenian national pride.

The name Theseus, meaning 'establisher' or 'foundation maker,' perfectly aligning with Athenian propaganda that emphasized Theseus's role in creating the city's greatness.

The Athenian hero, Theseus, seen as a parallel to the legendary King Arthur, a figure representing a glorious past, used to inspire national pride and ambition.

The period in English history (roughly 1837-1901) marked by British imperial expansion and industrial growth, a time when King Arthur was used as a national symbol of strength.