Heracles (Hercules) and his Labors - Greek Mythology

Chapter 22 Birth and Hera’s Hostility Zeus boasted that a descendant of his would be born to rule all surrounding people. Hera tricked Zeus: ○ She accelerated Eurystheus’s birth (son of Sthenelus). ○ She delayed the birth of Heracles and his twin Iphicles by sending Eileithyia to hinder Alcmena. ○ Thus, Eurystheus, not Heracles, fulfilled Zeus’ prophecy and became the king Heracles later served. Infancy and First Heroic Deed Hera sent two snakes to kill infant Heracles in his cradle. Heracles, still a baby, strangled both snakes with his bare hands. Witnesses, including Amphitryon, were awestruck by the baby’s strength. Prophet Tiresias foretold Heracles' fate: ○ Battles with beasts on land and sea. ○ Role in the battle between gods and giants. ○ Eventual immortality and marriage to Hebe, daughter of Hera, in the afterlife. Education and Youth Taught various skills by famous teachers: ○ Chariot driving by Amphitryon. ○ Wrestling by Autolycus. ○ Archery by Eurytus. ○ Music by Linus. Killed Linus (son of Apollo) by hitting him with a lyre during a lesson. Sent into exile to pasture on Mt. Cithaeron as punishment. Early Exploits Killed a lion threatening the herds of Amphitryon and Thespius. Hosted by King Thespius for 50 days: ○ Slept with one of his 50 daughters each night (or all in one night). Freed Thebes from tribute to the Minyans of Orchomenus by leading an army. As a reward, King Creon gave him his daughter Megara as wife. Heracles and Megara had three children. Madness and Tragedy Hera caused Heracles to go mad, leading him to kill Megara and their children. Once sane again, Heracles left Thebes in grief and exile. Purification and Name Change Went to Thespiae, where King Thespius purified him of his crimes. Traveled to Delphi for guidance. ○ The priestess of Apollo renamed him Heracles (he had been known as Alcides). ○ She told him to serve Eurystheus in Tiryns for twelve years, completing tasks (the Labors). ○ Completion of the Labors would earn him immortality. Conflicting Chronologies Euripides: Heracles kills Megara and children after completing the Labors. Sophocles: Heracles marries Deïanira before the Labors. Apollodorus: Heracles marries Deïanira after the Labors. Despite variations, all sources agree that Heracles served Eurystheus for years. Heracles' Reflection in the Underworld In Homer’s Odyssey, Heracles’ ghost says: “I was a son of Zeus, but infinite was my suffering; for I was slave to a far inferior mortal, and heavy were the labors he laid upon me.” Overview of the Labors Greek word for "labors" is athloi, meaning contests for a prize (Heracles’ prize was immortality). Three of the Labors symbolize conquests over death. Heracles wasn’t always alone—helped at times by Athena and his nephew Iolaüs. First 6 Labors: Took place in the northern Peloponnese (local hero). Last 6 Labors: Took place in various parts of the world (universal benefactor). The twelve traditional Labors were depicted on the temple of Zeus at Olympia. The Peloponnesian Labors 1. Nemean Lion ○ Invulnerable beast; Heracles strangled it and skinned it with its own claws. ○ Its skin and Heracles' club became his signature armor and weapon. 2. Lernaean Hydra ○ Nine-headed serpent, with one immortal head. ○ Heracles cut the heads, and Iolaüs cauterized the stumps. ○ Dipped arrows in the Hydra’s poison. ○ Hera’s crab (killed by Heracles) became the constellation Cancer. 3. Cerynean Hind ○ Golden-horned, sacred to Artemis; couldn’t be harmed. ○ After a year-long chase, Heracles caught it near the river Ladon. ○ Appeased Artemis by blaming Eurystheus. ○ Alternate version: Search took place in the land of the Hyperboreans, connecting it thematically to the Apples of the Hesperides. 4. Erymanthian Boar ○ Captured alive in deep snow on Mt. Erymanthus. ○ Eurystheus hid in a jar in fear. ○ Side adventure: Drank shared centaur wine, leading to a battle with centaurs. Chiron was accidentally wounded with a poisoned arrow and eventually gave up his immortality to Prometheus. Pholus died accidentally from a dropped poisoned arrow. 5. Augean Stables ○ Heracles cleaned years of filth by diverting rivers Alpheus and Peneus. ○ Augeas broke his promise of a reward; Heracles later returned with an army, killed him, and made Phyleus king. ○ Afterward, Heracles founded the Olympic Games, honoring Zeus. Marked out the stadium himself and brought an olive tree from the Hyperboreans for victory wreaths. 6. Stymphalian Birds ○ Flushed from woods near Lake Stymphalus using brazen castanets from Athena. ○ Shot them down afterward. 7. The Cretan Bull Minos refused to sacrifice the bull to Poseidon. Heracles captured it and brought it to Eurystheus. The bull was released and ended up in Marathon, where Theseus later captured and sacrificed it. 8. The Mares of Diomedes Diomedes, a Thracian king and son of Ares, owned man-eating mares. Heracles fed Diomedes to his own horses to tame them. Delivered them to Eurystheus, who dedicated them to Hera. On this journey, Heracles visited Admetus and saved his wife Alcestis from death. 9. The Girdle of Hippolyta Heracles was sent to retrieve the magical girdle of the Amazon queen. He killed Hippolyta and took the girdle. Also rescued Hesione from a sea monster in Troy, was cheated by King Laomedon, and later returned to sack the city. 10. The Cattle of Geryon Geryon: three-bodied monster guarding cattle on the island of Erythia. Heracles killed Geryon, Orthus (two-headed dog), and Eurytion (herdsman). Used a golden cup from Helius (the Sun) to sail across Ocean. Established the Pillars of Heracles at the Strait of Gibraltar. Spanish monarchs later adopted the Pillars as a symbol (“Plus Ultra”). On return, fought Ligurians, received help from Zeus (rain of stones). Killed the thief Cacus in Italy who stole some cattle. Killed Eryx in Sicily and Alcyoneus at the Isthmus of Corinth. Cattle were sacrificed to Hera by Eurystheus. Herodotus’ version: Heracles journeys beyond the Danube, fathers sons with Echidna—Scythes becomes ancestor of the Scythians. Myth of Melampus (Parallel to Geryon Labor) Melampus stole cattle for his brother Bias to win the hand of Pero. Imprisoned, escaped after overhearing woodworms, cured a prince’s impotence using magic, and earned the cattle. 11. The Apples of the Hesperides Apples were a wedding gift from Ge to Hera, guarded by the Hesperides and serpent Ladon. Heracles learned the location from shape-shifting Nereus. Two versions: ○ Kills Ladon and takes apples himself. ○ Helps Atlas retrieve them while he bears the sky (with Athena’s help). Apples are symbols of immortality—Labor represents conquering death. Side events: ○ Killed Busiris in Egypt, who sacrificed strangers. ○ Killed Antaeus in Libya by holding him off the ground. ○ Freed Prometheus in the Caucasus, who advised him about Atlas. 12. Cerberus Heracles' final and most difficult labor: capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades. With help from Hermes and Athena, subdued Cerberus and showed him to Eurystheus. Saw Theseus and Pirithoüs in the Underworld; freed Theseus. Encountered Meleager’s ghost and promised to marry his sister, Deïanira—eventually leading to Heracles' tragic end. Cultural Context Temple of Zeus at Olympia featured metopes depicting the Twelve Labors. Sequence of metopes doesn’t follow traditional Labor order but emphasizes aesthetic and local themes (e.g., Augean Stables as last). Athena appears frequently, aiding Heracles in four key panels. Artistic choices emphasized Heracles' divine assistance, strength, and burden-bearing. Cycnus Son of Ares; robber who attacked travelers in Thessaly heading to Delphi. Killed by Heracles, who was aided by Athena and had Iolaüs as charioteer. Heracles also wounded Ares in the encounter. Syleus Robber near the Straits of Euboea. Forced passers-by to work in his vineyard. Heracles destroyed the vineyard and killed Syleus. The Cercopes Mischievous dwarf tricksters from various regions (Greece or Asia Minor). Warned by their mother to avoid “the black-bottomed man” (Heracles). Tried to steal Heracles' weapons while he slept; were caught and carried on a pole. Amused by his sun-burned backside; Heracles laughed and let them go. Later punished by Zeus—turned into either apes or stones. Hylas A beautiful youth loved by Heracles. While on the Argo expedition, Hylas was abducted by water-nymphs in Cios. Heracles searched so long for him that the Argo left without him. Heracles established a cult of Hylas and returned alone to Argos. Annual local tradition of calling out for Hylas continued into late antiquity. Military Expeditions Battle Against Giants: Fought for Zeus; killed the giant Alcyoneus. Troy: Attacked King Laomedon, who had cheated him. Elis: Attacked King Augeas for betrayal. Pylos: ○ Sought purification from King Neleus after murdering Iphitus; denied. ○ Killed 11 of Neleus’ 12 sons (spared Nestor). ○ Killed Periclymenus (shape-shifter) with Athena’s help. ○ Wounded Hades and Hera during this campaign, showing older, violent version of Heracles. Pindar’s View Criticized older myths portraying Heracles as violent. Emphasized the shift toward Heracles as a moral and virtuous hero. Other Campaigns Sparta: Fought and killed King Hippocoön and sons; Iphicles died in the battle. Telephus: ○ Conceived by Heracles and Auge in Tegea. ○ Auge's father, fearing prophecy, made her a priestess. ○ She and baby Telephus were set adrift and landed in Asia Minor. ○ Telephus grew up to rule Mysia. Thessaly: Aided Aegimius, king of the Dorians, against Lapiths and Dryopes—connecting Heracles back to central Greece for his later myths. Marriage to Deïanira After completing his Labors, Heracles fulfilled his promise to Meleager's soul by marrying Deïanira, daughter of Oeneus, king of Calydon. To win her, he wrestled the river-god Acheloüs, who could change shapes. Heracles broke off one of his horns. After the battle, Heracles received the horn of Amalthea, which could provide endless food and drink. Heracles and Deïanira returned to Tiryns, where Deïanira bore him children, including Hyllus and Macaria. The Centaur Nessus While traveling, the centaur Nessus attempted to violate Deïanira while carrying her across the river Evenus. Heracles killed Nessus with an arrow dipped in the Hydra's poison. As he died, Nessus told Deïanira to keep his blood, which would ensure that Heracles would always love her. Heracles’ Ambiguous Status: Man or God? In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus encounters the ghost of Heracles, showing his dual nature as both man and god. Heracles’ name, meaning "glory of Hera," suggests a mortal origin, as Greek gods typically don’t have names based on other gods. Euripides presents Heracles as more of a mortal, particularly in the Heracles play, where he is tormented by madness sent by Hera. Origins and Spread of the Heracles Myth Heracles’ legend may have originated from a prince of Tiryns, associated with Argos, Mycenae, and Tiryns, or he could have been introduced by early settlers from the north. Heracles is primarily a Greek hero, though his myths share similarities with other ancient figures like Melkart, Samson, Gilgamesh, and Sandas. Some scholars suggest Heracles shares traits with Eastern mythology figures like Indra, but he remains fundamentally a Greek hero. Heracles as a “Master of Animals” Heracles' feats, like defeating monsters (e.g., the Hydra and the Nemean Lion), suggest he was associated with controlling animals and protecting food sources. His role as a "Master of Animals" reflects his connection to pastoral life and his association with brute strength, animal-slaying, and primitive weapons like the club. Heracles as a Heroic Model Heracles’ actions were often framed as heroic labor for the benefit of humankind, leading to his eventual apotheosis (immortalization) by the gods. His myth is a paradigm of endurance and self-reliance, often used by philosophers and moralists, especially in Roman Stoicism. The famous Choice of Heracles parable depicts his decision between Pleasure (ease) and Virtue (hardship), choosing the latter. Heracles in Tragedy and Comedy Heracles' complex character made him a subject for various interpretations: ○ In tragedy, especially in Sophocles' Trachiniae and Euripides' Heracles and Alcestis, he is portrayed as enduring great suffering. ○ In comedy, particularly in Aristophanes' Frogs, Heracles is depicted humorously, motivated by gluttony and lust. Despite these variations, his myth remained a powerful symbol of virtue, especially in philosophical contexts. Heracles’ Apotheosis After a life of trials and toil, Heracles achieved immortality by virtue of his strength, fortitude, and heroic deeds. In the Homeric Hymn to Heracles, he is celebrated as a hero who ascended to Olympus and married Hebe, symbolizing his divine status. lcmena, Eurystheus, and the Children of Heracles After Heracles' death, his mother Alcmena and children were persecuted by Eurystheus. They fled to Athens for protection, but King Ceyx couldn’t help them. They were received by King Demophon of Athens. Euripides' Heraclidae describes how Alcmena’s granddaughter, Macaria, volunteered for sacrifice to Persephone, leading to Athenian victory. In the battle, Iolaüs, Heracles' nephew, was rejuvenated by Heracles and Hebe, capturing Eurystheus. Alcmena orders Eurystheus’ execution, and he prophesies his burial will protect Attica from invaders. In Pindar’s version, Iolaüs kills Eurystheus and is buried in Thebes, where his tomb offers protection. Alcmena’s Cult and Afterlife Alcmena is associated with a cult in some versions. After her death in Thebes, she is taken to the Elysian Fields and marries Rhadamanthys. Another version by Apollodorus depicts her reunion with Amphitryon in the Underworld, where Hermes substitutes her body with a stone. Heracles' sons later find and set up the stone as a shrine. The Return of the Heraclidae The descendants of Heracles (Heraclidae) are involved in the Dorian conquest of the Peloponnese after the Mycenaean Age. Hyllus, Heracles' son, attempts to reclaim the Peloponnese but is killed in battle by Echemus of Tegea, leading to a truce for 100 years. After the truce, Temenus, a Heraclid, leads an invasion of the Peloponnese, guided by the "three-eyed man" Oxylus, a seer. The Heraclids defeat the Peloponnesians, led by Tisamenus, son of Orestes. Thucydides relates this conquest to the post-Trojan War disruptions and the Dorian takeover of the Peloponnese. The Heraclids divide the conquered lands: ○ Sparta to Procles and Eurysthenes (sons of Aristodemus). ○ Argos to Temenus. ○ Messene to Cresphontes. Temenus and Cresphontes are murdered by their sons and rivals. ○ Cresphontes’ widow, Merope, saves her son Aepytus, who later returns to kill Polyphontes and reclaim the throne of Messene. Sparta and Argos flourish for centuries, while Messene is eventually subjugated by Sparta. Heracles in Roman Politics Augustus (24 B.C.): The Roman emperor was identified with Heracles by the poet Horace, linking him to the hero who improved the world by defeating monsters and threats to civilization. Nero (d. 68 A.D.): Nero, shortly before his death, was rumored to be preparing to fight a Nemean lion in the amphitheater dressed as Heracles. Commodus (d. A.D. 192): The emperor adopted the title Hercules Romanus and was depicted wearing Heracles' lion skin and holding the Apples of the Hesperides. Heracles in Art and Iconography Farnese Hercules (engraving by Hendrik Goltzius, 1589): The image of Heracles as a muscular figure holding the Apples of the Hesperides became iconic, emphasizing his immense strength and heroic feats. The engraving celebrates his conquests, including defeating Geryon and obtaining the apples. The Gallic Heracles (16th-17th Century) Origin: Derived from Lucian's second-century A.D. description, the "Gallic" Heracles was depicted as an old man with traditional Heracles symbols (lion skin, club, bow) and as an orator who captivated audiences with rhetoric. Renaissance Depictions: He was shown in Renaissance handbooks with chains extending from his tongue to his audience, symbolizing the power of his persuasive speech. French Political Imagery: King Henri IV of France was celebrated as “L’Hercule Gaulois” (the Gallic Hercules) during his 1600 entry into Avignon, where arches adorned the route depicting his Labors. Chapter 23 Autochthony of Athens: Athenians believed they were autochthonous, claiming descent from the earth itself, with Cecrops, their first king, as the symbol of this heritage. Cecrops was part serpent and founded the city of Cecropia (Athens). Erichthonius: A half-serpent, earth-born figure, born from the ground after Hephaestus' semen fell on Athena. Athena raised him, and he became a significant king of Athens, establishing the Panathenaic festival and placing a wooden statue of Athena on the Acropolis. His myth involves the tragic fate of his caretakers, the daughters of Cecrops, who were driven mad after disobeying Athena's orders. Erechtheus: Successor to Erichthonius, often associated with Poseidon. He played a key role in defending Athens in battle, sacrificing one or more of his daughters for victory. He was killed by Poseidon after the war, and his tomb was located in the Erechtheum, a temple dedicated to both him and Athena. The Erechtheum and Religious Significance: The Erechtheum, built on the Acropolis, was associated with the earliest myths of Athens, including the rivalry between Poseidon and Athena. The temple housed sacred objects linked to Athenian mythology, including the wooden statue of Athena and the salt spring created by Poseidon's trident. The Daughters of Cecrops: Aglauros, Herse, and Pandrosos were fertility goddesses who played roles in early Athenian myths. Aglauros, in particular, was involved in the story of Hermes and Herse, which led to her transformation into a stone by Athena. Cephalus and Procris: Cephalus, loved by the goddess Aurora (Eos), was the husband of Procris, daughter of Erechtheus. The tragic tale involves Cephalus mistakenly killing Procris with a javelin, which had been a gift from her. Philomela, Procne, and Tereus: The story of Tereus' abuse of Philomela, followed by her revenge through the murder of his son Itys and serving him to Tereus, who later transformed into a bird. This myth was a popular theme in Greek and Roman literature. The Ion of Euripides: The myth of Ion, son of Apollo and Creusa (daughter of Erechtheus), who was raised by the Delphic Oracle after being abandoned. His story involves themes of mistaken identity, divine intervention, and the founding of the Ionian people. Orithyia and Boreas: Orithyia, another daughter of Erechtheus, was abducted by the North Wind, Boreas, and became the mother of Zetes, Calaïs, and two daughters. Zetes and Calaïs were part of the Argonauts. Confused Genealogy of Athenian Kings: Athenian royal lineage is complex, with kings named Cecrops and Pandion reappearing in later generations. After Pandion's death, his sons Aegeus, Pallas, Nisus, and Lycus shared power, with Aegeus as the primary ruler of Athens. Aegeus and Poseidon: Aegeus, king of Athens, is associated with Poseidon through the Aegean Sea and mythic traditions, which suggest Poseidon might be the actual father of Theseus. Birth of Theseus: Aegeus is childless and consults the Delphic Oracle. After a mysterious riddle, he is tricked into fathering Theseus with Aethra, daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen. Aegeus leaves tokens (a sword and sandals) under a rock, instructing Aethra to send their son to Athens when he's strong enough. Theseus’ Heroic Journey: Theseus is a national hero of Athens, known for his deeds against brigands and monsters, often paralleling Heracles' feats. Mary Renault’s Novel: The King Must Die (1958) by Mary Renault reimagines Theseus' life, focusing on the archetypal battle between matriarchy and patriarchy, with Theseus symbolizing the transition. Theseus’ Six Labors 1. Periphetes (Corynetes): Kills the club-wielding brigand and takes his club. 2. Sinis (Pityocamptes): Kills the robber who bent trees to kill his victims by using the same method. 3. The Sow of Crommyon: Kills a monstrous sow. 4. Sciron: Kills the brigand who kicked victims into the sea to be eaten by a turtle. 5. Cercyon: Defeats the wrestler, throwing him to his death. 6. Procrustes: Kills the man who forced travelers to fit his bed by mutilation. Recognition by Aegeus Arrival at Athens: Aegeus, initially unaware of Theseus' identity, nearly allows him to be poisoned by Medea (Aegeus' wife). Upon seeing Theseus wield the sword from Troezen, Aegeus recognizes him as his son. Conflict with Pallas: Theseus eliminates the threat posed by Aegeus’ brother Pallas and his sons, securing his position. Additional Adventures The Bull of Marathon: Theseus captures and sacrifices the bull that Heracles had brought from Crete. The Minotaur: Theseus volunteers to face the Minotaur in Crete as part of a tribute, with the help of Ariadne, who gives him a thread to escape the Labyrinth. He kills the Minotaur and returns to Athens with Ariadne. Ariadne's Fate Desertion on Naxos: After abandoning Ariadne on Naxos, she is found by Dionysus, who places her wreath in the sky as the constellation Corona. Symbolism and Themes Theseus' story involves recurring themes of heroism, struggle against fate, and the interplay between divine influence and human agency. He navigates dangerous adventures, faces treachery, and establishes his place as Athens’ legendary hero. "Death of a Monster" by Pablo Picasso (1937): Pencil on paper, dimensions: 15 × 22¼ in. Depicts the dying Minotaur, reflecting Picasso's anger towards the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War. The Minotaur sees itself in a mirror held by a sea goddess, possibly Amphitrite. Dated December 6, 1937, shortly after the bombing of Guernica. Legend of Ariadne (Ovid’s account): Ariadne laments being abandoned by Theseus on Naxos. Dionysus, god of wine, arrives and comforts her, offering her marriage and a place among the stars as a constellation. Ariadne's fate is tied to conflicting myths, including her death at the hands of Artemis or in childbirth on Cyprus. Theseus Becomes King of Athens: After Aegeus’ death, Theseus becomes king of Athens. Known for reforms, including uniting Attica and reviving the Isthmian Games. Theseus and the Amazons: Theseus, with Heracles, fought the Amazons, receiving Antiope as a prize. The Amazons later retaliated but were defeated by Theseus. Theseus and Pirithoüs: Theseus and Pirithoüs attempted to abduct Helen and Persephone. Pirithoüs remained trapped in the Underworld while Theseus was freed by Heracles. Theseus, Phaedra, and Hippolytus: Theseus' wife Phaedra fell in love with his son Hippolytus, leading to tragedy. Phaedra falsely accuses Hippolytus of seduction, resulting in his death. Dionysus and Ariadne – Marble Sarcophagus (ca. a.d. 180): Depicts Dionysus approaching Ariadne, symbolizing the soul’s awakening to eternal life. Popular in late antiquity funerary art, possibly linked to Christian or pagan beliefs. Dionysus and Ariadne – Bronze Krater (4th century B.C.): Shows Dionysus and Ariadne, with Dionysus as the god of new life. The krater features maenads and symbolic figures related to the god’s thiasos. Theseus and the Underworld: Theseus attempted to abduct Persephone with Pirithoüs but was trapped in magic chairs. He was freed by Heracles; Pirithoüs remained in the Underworld. Theseus as Champion of the Oppressed: In Greek tragedies, Theseus is portrayed as a protector of the exiled and victims of tyranny, such as Medea and the Argive women. Other Adventures of Theseus: Theseus was involved in the Argonauts and Calydonian boar hunt. His death came when he was exiled, and he was later honored posthumously. Theseus in Greek Tragedy: In Athenian tragedy, Theseus is idealized as a noble and just king. Euripides’ Hippolytus presents Theseus as a flawed, vulnerable individual. Demophon: Theseus' son Demophon had a tragic love story with Phyllis, who transformed into an almond tree after his abandonment. Codrus: The last king of Athens, who sacrificed himself to ensure victory for Athens in battle, as foretold by the Delphic oracle. Daedalus and Minos: Daedalus, an Athenian craftsman, killed his nephew Perdix out of jealousy, leading to his exile from Athens. Daedalus fled to Crete, where he was employed by King Minos. Minos prayed to Poseidon for a bull, but kept Poseidon's bull, angering the god. As punishment, Poseidon's curse caused Minos' wife, Pasiphaë, to fall in love with the bull. To satisfy her, Daedalus crafted a hollow cow in which Pasiphaë mated with the bull, producing the Minotaur (half-man, half-bull), who was imprisoned in Daedalus' Labyrinth. The Minotaur was later slain by Theseus. The labyrinth concept may have originated from the complex palace of Cnossus in Crete. Minos and Pasiphaë were likely divine figures, with Minos being Zeus' son. The Flight of Icarus: Daedalus and his son Icarus escaped Crete using wings made of feathers and wax. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too high or too low, but Icarus, overcome by pride, flew too close to the sun. The wax melted, and Icarus fell into the sea, which was thereafter named the Mare Icarium. Daedalus reached Sicily, where he was pursued by Minos. Minos tricked Cocalus, king of Camicus, into revealing Daedalus' location, but Daedalus evaded him. Minos was eventually killed by Cocalus' daughters, who boiled him to death.

Heracles (Hercules) and his Labors - Greek Mythology

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript