What Does The Myth Say About The Culture?

The myth of Heracles' is complicated and it was likely there was probably a real man, perhaps a chieftain-vassal of the kingdom of Argos. Some scholars suggest the story of Heracles is an allegory for the sun's yearly passage through the twelve constellations of the zodiac. His fantastic solitary exploits, with their many folk-talethemes, provided much material for popular legend. He is portrayed as a sacrificer and mentioned as a founder of altars. In art and literature Heracles was represented as an enormously strong man of moderate height; his characteristic weapon was the bow but frequently also the club. Vase paintings demonstrate the unparalleled popularity of Heracles, his fight with the lion being depicted many hundreds of times.

Vase depicting Hercules' triumph over the Nemean Lion.

Heracles also entered Etruscan and Roman mythology and cult, and the exclamation "mehercule" became as familiar to the Romans as "Herakleis" was to the Greeks. In Italy he was worshipped as a god of merchants and traders, although others also prayed to him for his characteristic gifts of good luck or rescue from danger. Heracles attained the highest social prestige through his appointment as official ancestor of the Dorian kings. Their rise to dominance is frequently called the "Dorian invasion". The Lydian and later the Macedonian kings, as rulers of the same rank, also became Heracleidae, therefore the ancient myth of Hercules has cultural significance to the social structure of ancient Greece.

A Synopsis Of The Myth.

Movie depiction of Hercules' life.

Early Life
Hercules was the son of a woman names Alcmene, who was seduced by Zeus when he disguised himself as her husband Amphitryon. As an illegitimate son of Zeus, Hercules was the subject of great hatred from Hera, Zeus' wife, as Heracles' existence was proof of her husband's infidelity. Heracles was originally named Alcides by his parents, and his name was only changed later in a vain attempt to please Hera (Heracles meaning 'glory of Hera'). Hera supposedly sent two snakes to kill Heracles in his cot, but Heracles strangled a snake in each hand and played with the dead bodies as though they were toys. In his youth Heracles was sent to tend cattle on a mountain after he killed his music tutor, Linus, with a lyre. According to the sophist Prodicus, he was visited here by the nymphs Pleasure and Virtue who offered him a choice of two lives: either comfortable and easy or glorious and brutal. Heracles chose to suffer to achieve great glory.


Later Life
Heracles' first wife was Megara, with whom he had several children. However, Hera caused Heracles to lose his mind and kill his wife and children in a frenzy. Heracles strived to purify himself of his crimes by asking the Oracle what he should do. Hera guided the Oracle into telling Heracles that he must serve King Eurystheus for 12 years. During these 12 years, Heracles completed his Twelve Labours including:
Slaying the Nemean Lion
Slaying the Lernaean Hydra
Capturing the Ceryneian Hind
Capturing the Erymanthian Boar
Cleaning the Augean stables
Slaying the Stymphalian Birds
Capturing the Cretan Bull
Stealing the Mares of Diomedes
Obtaining Hippolyta's Girdle
Obtaining Geryon's Cattle
Stealing the Apples of the Hesperides
Capturing Cerberus

Hercules defeating the Lernaean Hydra.

One Paragraph Briefly Outlining The Culture The Myth Is From.

In the ancient Greek civilisation, myths were very important for the development of the culture and were basic for the structure of the society, especially myths surrounding heroes such as Hercules. He had qualities that typified the culture of ancient Greece who celebrated masculinity, strength and courage.

Where Is The Culture Located?

Map 1: Hercules' travels around Greece.

The culture is located throughout Greece, however Hercules' travels meant that he became a part of many different cultures around the areas shown in the second map because of his famous exploits.

Map 2: Hercules' travels around Europe.

What Culture Is The Myth From?

The myth of Hercules, or Heracles, is from the Greek culture.

Depiction of Hercules in Greek mythology.