Hercules Research Paper

The Story of Hercules

“Hercules has endured as perhaps the most popular figure from Greek mythology for nearly three millennia.” (Breedlove 1328+) As a kid, almost everyone knew at least one story of Hercules. There have been plenty of movies and books made to entertain an audience, and they all show how great of a hero Hercules was. However, there is plenty of information that stays a secret from the normal person, and nothing is a fact when talking about Greek mythology.

Hercules has overcome many obstacles throughout his life. From childhood and young adulthood to slavery and being set free, Hercules did not have the ideal life of a half God or hero. He had many tragedies in his life that shaped how his story played out. Hercules was

He was set on learning as much as he could. Hercules was befriended by a kind group of people that would help him develop. Hercules grew into more than just a man. He grew to be about twelve feet tall. ( Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) He also became incredibly strong. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Hercules spent most of his time training and learning. He had many people help him grow. Linos taught him music, reading, and writing. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Amphitretus taught him how to drive a chariot. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Autolyeus taught Hercules how to wrestle. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Eurytus taught him archery. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Caster taught Hercules how to fight. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Cheiron tough him how to be virtuous and fair. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Not long after this had all started, an unfortunate problem occurred and Hercules had to leave again. Hercules killed Linos by accident during training. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) He was sent to a place called Mount Cithaeron. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) After completing his training he received war gifts from the Gods of Olympus. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Zeus gave him an unbreakable shield. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Athena gave him a helmet and armor. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) Apallo gave him a

(Edwards 26+) Hercules continued to stay active and productive after the twelve labors. Hercules started a war because he would not pay taxes. Hercules side one the war. (Hercules: An All Time Hero! n.pag.) He got revenge on the king that made him perform the twelve labors. He dethroned him, and made his son king. (Hollingsworth 6+) Hercules created the Olympics. “He also joined Jason and Argonauts as they traveled to Colchis on the Black Sea to fetch the golden fleece. (Hollingsworth 6+) Not terribly long after, he died as a mortal and rose to the heavens as a God. “Many years earlier, Hercules had visited the oracle Delphi. There he had been told about the twelve labors he would have to complete, and that he would someday escape death and become immortal.” (Hollingsworth 6+) “The twelfth required Hercules meet death itself. So, his return from the world of the dead was viewed as a fulfillment of the oracle's prophecy.” (Hollingsworth 6+) Hercules put on a cloak that had a poison on it. It started eating away his flesh. (Hussein 24+) The pain was great, but it did not kill him. He wanted to die. That made that God's sad because he had accomplished many good deeds. (Hussein 24+) He started tearing down trees to start a fire so that he could burn himself to death. (Hussein 24+) The Gods agreed that since Hercules was a half God, and since he had lived a good life that he would become