preview

The Greek Hero : Hercules As A Hero

Decent Essays

What does it mean to be a great hero? Does a hero have to be smart? Indestructible, perhaps? In Greek culture, heroes were highly respected, but great heroes were remembered. Their stories were passed down during this time of conflict and war to enlighten humans on moral principles that would improve posterity. Hercules, is a perfect example. Hercules thoroughly exemplifies the fundamental principles that are greatly valued in Greek culture, making his legacy as the most distinguished and honored hero by the greeks. Physical strength is an essential characteristic of a hero and is associated the most with Hercules. Unlike other heroes, Hercules used his strength in his first heroic deed to help others, rather than proving himself to gain the title of a hero. The gods needed the help of a mortal to conquer the Giants who were inflicting terror on Olympos, and they chose Hercules. Hercules shot one of the two Giants with his bow and arrow, wounding him fatally, then dragged him to a land where he could die. “Hercules… played an important part” when defeating these supernatural creatures (Hamilton 167). Hercules’ killing of one of the Giants that the gods couldn’t kill on their own shows that he possessed godly strength and gives him the characteristics of a hero. Furthermore, Hercules helped the Thebans fight the Minyans, and won Princess Megara’s hand in marriage. “The grateful citizens” depended on the strength of Hercules for winning the battle against the Minyans (Hamilton 169). The people of Greece valued Hercules immensely, to the point where they believed he was worthy of being married to Thebes’ Princess. Additionally, strength was extremely important in Greek culture considering the fact that this was a time of war, and strength is what Greece needed to protect themselves. Thus Hercules, the strongest man, is the most valued hero in Greece. To be a hero, you had to have faith in yourself. Hercules, was particularly distinguished because of his confidence. Hercules notably said he’d fight Apollo, a god, in order to receive his oracle. “Apollo … felt an admiration for for his boldness and made his priestess deliver the response” (Hamilton 167). His self confidence was so extraordinary and developed,

Get Access