Heracles

By J.G.

            The great Heracles is remembered today for completing the impossible with his remarkable power.  Heracles was the most famous hero in Greek mythology because he was a hero that the Greeks could claim to be like, a human.  Born to Zeus and Alcmene, Heracles was half god, half mortal.  The goddess Hera hated Him because she was jealous of Alcmene.  When Heracles was a baby, Hera sent two snakes to deal with him.  The Snakes were not enough and Heracles strangled the two snakes with ease for he already had ferocious strength.   Heracles was best known for completing twelve unforgettable tasks.  The epic begins when Hera, after seeing how happy Heracles was, made him insane and he killed his wife and children.  He then went to the Oracle at Delphi to ask how he can purify himself.  He learns he must do twelve unthinkable tasks for King Eurystheus, king of Mycenae.  The tasks included fighting a nine-headed monster, cleaning stables that hadn’t been cleaned for thirty-years, and stealing four golden apples guarded by the sister nymphs.  These journeys show the power, courage and wisdom that Heracles had.  Heracles’ legacy and importance is still remembered toady.  After the gods see what Heracles did, they made him a god so he could protect Mount Olympus.  We still honor him so much we write books and make movies about him.  Heracles will always be remembered for his courage, power and all he overcame.

D’aulaire, Ingri and Edgar. D’aulaires book of Greek Myths. New York. Delacorte Press.1962.