Hercules Struggles

The struggles Hercules faced in Greek mythology played a significant role in the way Ancient Greeks viewed heroism by demonstrating the importance of perseverance, the ability to overcome adversity, and selflessness. The Greek Myth of demigod Hercules is a prime example of a hero whose theme in his myth is overcoming struggles. Ancient Greeks knew Hercules well for his divine strength and outstanding courage. However, even with all the characteristics of heroism he possessed, he grew up with a good deal of childhood trauma. Hera, his stepmother, was extremely jealous of Hercules’ strength at a young age, which turned to extreme jealousy that influences how he grew up. Hercules went through countless predicaments to earn the title of a Greek

The struggles that Hercules faced also showed the importance of overcoming adversity. His tragic life story showed that being a hero in Ancient Greek society was not just about strength and bravery but likewise, the ability to navigate tragedy and sorrow. Despite Hercules' accomplishments, his past tortured his mind of killing his family and furthermore struggled with his mortality. Ultimately Hercules’ tragic end does not just highlight how death will come to the mortal hero, but that his accomplishments earned him the title of a demigod of strength and immortality. Throughout his life Hercules had to overcome many obstacles such as Hera giving him twelve tasks out of jealousy, not knowing his mom, being hated by the gods. Through his strength, intelligence and courage, Hercules could overcome these drawbacks. However, the gods were not necessarily on his side at first, “Hercules had many gods out to kill him but he ended up proving himself to all of them” (Atsma). It was said that everyone who was given these tasks would perish and would be forced to endure the wrath of the gods. Even though he was beaten, tormented, and humiliated, Hercules found creative ways to get through every trial which inspired the people of Ancient Greece because no one had ever done that before “Hercules had set the new standard for what being a hero of such power is'' (Atsma). When Hercules had to go to the underworld, he was afraid of death because he had to capture Cerbeus, Hades' dog living in the underworld. He encountered many monsters and ghosts as he made his way to Hades. It was a difficult process, but he still overcame the obstacles, even with fear being present in his mind. A crash course video goes on to say “Hercules was the most nervous knowing he could die in the underworld, but he still went and captured Cerbeus' ' (Smith). Because Hercules overcame his obstacles and strived for greatness even