hercules classics

Who were Heracles' parents?

Zeus and Alcmene — Zeus disguised himself as her husband Amphitryon.

Who was Heracles' mortal twin brother?

Iphicles.

Why did Hera delay Heracles' birth?

To make Eurystheus born first so he would rule instead.

What did Hera send to kill baby Heracles?

Two snakes — Heracles strangled them with his hands.

Which goddess protected Heracles throughout his life?

Athena.

Who was Heracles’ first wife?

Megara

Why did Heracles kill his wife and children?

Hera sent Madness to possess him.

What did the Oracle of Delphi tell Heracles to do for penance?

Serve King Eurystheus for twelve years and complete labours.

How many total labours did Heracles complete?

Twelve.

Why were only ten labours originally set?

Eurystheus ordered ten tasks

Why were two labours not counted?

He had help in one (Hydra) and accepted payment in another (Augean Stables).

What is the first labour of Heracles?

Killing the Nemean Lion.

How did Heracles kill the Nemean Lion?

Strangled it because its skin was impenetrable to weapons.

What did Heracles use to skin the Nemean Lion?

One of the lion’s claws.

What is the second labour of Heracles?

Killing the Lernaean Hydra.

Who helped Heracles defeat the Hydra?

His cousin Iolaus.

Why was the Hydra labour not counted?

He had assistance from Iolaus.

What is the third labour?

Capturing the Ceryneian (Golden) Hind sacred to Artemis.

How did Heracles catch the Golden Hind?

Chased it for a year and caught it unharmed.

What is the fourth labour?

Capturing the Erymanthian Boar alive.

How did Eurystheus react to the boar?

He hid in a jar (pithos) out of fear.

What is the fifth labour?

Cleaning the Augean Stables in one day.

How did Heracles clean the Augean Stables?

Diverted two rivers through them.

Why did the Augean labour not count?

He accepted payment from Augeas.

What festival did Heracles found after the Augean Stables?

The Olympic Games in honour of Zeus.

What is the sixth labour?

Killing the Stymphalian Birds.

Who helped Heracles defeat the Stymphalian Birds?

Athena gave him a rattle made by Hephaistos.

What is the seventh labour?

Capturing the Cretan Bull.

What is the eighth labour?

Capturing the Mares of Diomedes.

How did Heracles calm the Mares of Diomedes?

Fed them their master Diomedes.

What is the ninth labour?

Obtaining the Belt of Hippolyte

How did Hera interfere in the Belt of Hippolyte labour?

She spread rumours Heracles planned to kidnap the queen

What is the tenth labour?

Bringing back the Cattle of Geryon.

Who was Geryon?

A monster with three bodies who owned red cattle.

Which dog did Heracles kill in the Cattle of Geryon labour?

Orthrus

How is this labour linked to Rome?

Heracles’ route passed through Italy

What is the eleventh labour?

Stealing the Apples of the Hesperides.

Who helped Heracles obtain the golden apples?

Prometheus advised him to ask Atlas for help.

How did Heracles trick Atlas?

He asked Atlas to hold the sky again “briefly

What is the twelfth labour?

Capturing Cerberus from the Underworld.

Who allowed Heracles to take Cerberus?

Hades and Persephone

What did Heracles do after completing his labours?

Presented Cerberus to Eurystheus and was freed.

Why is Heracles connected to Olympia?

He founded the Olympic Games and decorated the Temple of Zeus with his labours.

Where were Heracles' labours depicted in art?

On the twelve metopes of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.

What was the artistic purpose of the Olympia metopes?

To show heroism

Which Roman poet describes Hercules and Cacus?

Virgil in the Aeneid (Book 8).

Who was Cacus?

A fire-breathing monster who stole Hercules’ cattle and was slain by him.

Why was Hercules important to the Romans?

He was seen as protector of Rome and symbol of civic strength.

Which Roman poet describes Hercules’ death?

Ovid in the Metamorphoses (Book 9).

How did Hercules die?

Deianira gave him a poisoned cloak soaked in Nessus’ blood.

What happened after Hercules’ death?

Jupiter (Zeus) made him immortal and a god.

What does Heracles/Hercules symbolise in Greek myth?

Endurance

What does Hercules symbolise in Roman culture?

Strength

Who were the Hesperides?

Nymphs guarding the golden apples in Hera’s garden.

What did the Hydra’s venom later cause?

Hercules’ death when it was in the poisoned cloak.

Which goddess most hated Heracles?

Hera.

What does Heracles’ deification show?

That mortals could achieve immortality through heroic deeds and divine favour.