updated 7-27-04
Chapter 14: Heracles
Pages 351-387
135 points possible
While the myths of Perseus have their origins in folk tale and thus emphasize
the adventure, the myths of Heracles focus on the personality of the hero.
Heracles, unlike Perseus, is not a flat character, but a round one who carries
within him both the animal passions and the seeds of divinity. He is at once a
destroyer of the civilized order and the protector of civilization, a character
often in conflict with himself. His mistakes are huge, often incurring blood
guilt, and yet he and his deeds clearly captured the imagination of the Greeks,
who represented them frequently in both major and minor art. Of all the heroes,
Heracles is the only one who, despite his enormous flaws, exemplifies the human
emotions of loyalty and friendship and at the last attains immortality.
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Prologue
Review Perseus’ family tree on page 330 and Heracles’ lineage on page
352. Notice how often Zeus appears in Heracles’ lineage.
1. (15) Heracles' early life
a. Parentage: Summarize the myth of Heracles’ conception. Notice how Hera’s
actions are contrasted with those of Alcmena.
b. Birth: Summarize the myth of Hera, Alcmena, Eileithyia, and Galanis.
c. Siblings: Why are Heracles and Iphicles so different?
d. Read "Observations: Twins and Divine Birth." Which type of
twins do Heracles and Iphicles represent?
e. Youth: Summarize the myth of the snakes. How does this myth symbolize
and predict Hercules' victories over the natural forces?
f. Prophecy: Who is Teresias and what future does he foretell for
Heracles?
g. Though humorous, the myths of the Milky Way, of Linus, and of the
daughters of Thespius foretell both Heracles’ greatness and his cruelty.
Summarize one of these myths.
2. (15) Heracles’ young adulthood
a. Who becomes Heracles’ enemy and why? How does this myth illustrate
the ancient belief that "those whom the gods would favor, they first
drive mad?"
b. Which part of Euripedes’ play Heracles Insane did you find
most moving? Why?
c. What does the Oracle at Delphi say Heracles must do to atone for his
crimes?
3. (90) Heracles’ quest: The Twelve Labors
a. complete the following table (not all blanks may be filled for each
Labor)
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LABOR |
DESCRIPTION |
SIDE DEED |
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In the Peloponnesus
(close to home)
1. The Nemean Lion
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2. The Lernaean Hydra
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3. The Ceryneian Deer
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4. The Erymanthian Boar
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5. The Augean Stables
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6. The Stymphalian Birds
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Leaves the Peloponnesus
(further from home, and to the 4 points of the compass)
7. The Cretan Bull
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8. The Horses of Diomedes
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9. The Girdle of Hippolyta
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In the West, near the River of Ocean
10. The Cattle of Geryon
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In Paradise
(the beginning of life (eg similar to the Garden of Eden or the
afterlife for those favored by the gods)
11. The Apples of the Hesperides
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In the Underworld
(mortality/death for those not favored by the gods)
12. Ceberus
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b. What is the logical organization of The Twelve Labors of Heracles?
Look at mid 369-370 if you’re not sure.
c. After completing the Labors, Heracles runs into trouble again. What
causes the problem?
d. Where does he go to find out how to set things right? What is he
told? Who is Omphale?
e. Summarize the myth of Heracles and Pan.
f. Summarize the myth of Heracles and the Cecrops.
g. Summarize the myth of Priam.
4. (10) Heracles’ return home.
a. Summarize the myth of Heracles, Nessus, and Deianira
b. Does Heracles ever return home?
c. Who were the Heraclids and what happened to them?
5. (5) Major themes associated with the myths of Heracles
Read "Observations," pages 385-386 and list 5 of the major
themes mentioned there.
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