Heracles
Also known as: Alcaeus · Alcides · Hercules · Herakles
- 1Heracles was the son of Zeus and Alcmene.
- 2He is known for possessing superhuman strength.
- 3He was worshipped as both a hero and a deity.
- 4He served as the patron of the gymnasium and a protector of mankind.
Heracles, born Alcaeus (Ἀλκαῖος) or Alcides (Ἀλκείδης), is one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology.
Connections1
mythological liberator who ended the suffering of Prometheus
Heracles killed the eagle and freed Prometheus from his chains on the Caucasus Mountains with the permission of Zeus.
Heracles is one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology, recognized for his immense superhuman strength. Born as Alcaeus or Alcides, he was the son of Zeus and Alcmene, and the foster son of Amphitryon.
Heracles carrying his son Hyllus looks at the centaur Nessus, who is about to carry Deianira across the river on his back. Antique fresco from Pompeii.Wikimedia Commons: File:Hercules_Nessus_MAN_Napoli_Inv9001.jpgGreek mythology influenced the Etruscans. This vase at Caere shows King Eurytus of Oechalia and Heracles in a symposium. Krater of corinthian columns called 'Krater of Eurytion', c. 600 BCEWikimedia Commons: File:Eurytios_Krater_Louvre_E635_n1.jpgHeracles strangling snakes (detail from an Attic red-figured stamnos, c. 480–470 BCE)Wikimedia Commons: File:Herakles_strangling_snakes_Louvre_G192.jpgHeracles as a boy strangling a snake (marble, Roman artwork, 2nd century CE). Capitoline Museums in Rome, ItalyWikimedia CommonsAll 12 labours of Heracles, Mosaic of Llíria (Valencia, Spain)Wikimedia CommonsSide of terracotta kantharos in the form of the head of Heracles with the lion's skin around his neck, Athens, c. 470 BCEWikimedia CommonsHeracles slaying the Lernaean HydraWikimedia CommonsHeracles and Ceryneian Hind. Copy of an original by LysipposWikimedia Commons He occupies a unique position in Greek culture, being worshipped as both a hero and a deity. His legacy includes roles as a protector of mankind and the patron of the gymnasium, reflecting his status as a symbol of physical prowess and divine favor.