The agony and death of Hercules

What did Jupiter do when he saw his son dying?

He gave a speech to the rest of the gods convincing them to deify Hercules and allow him to join them on Olympus because of his heroic deeds on Earth (all the gods, including Juno, agreed and Hercules shed his human form and entered Olympus)

Before he died, what does Hercules begin to remember?

All his struggles, including his labours, the death of his family and hate from Juno/Hera

Does Hercules want to die before putting on the tunic?

Yes

Why did the tunic stick to Hercules’ skin?

He put it on while giving sacrifice to the gods and his skin caught fire from the poison

What does Hercules say to Hera?

‘Juno, Saturnia, feed on my ruin’, ‘feed, cruel one’

What did Heracles do while he was dying?

Built himself a funeral pyre and laid on it

What does Hercules say while he is pleading for help?

‘Take away my sorrowful and hateful life with its fearful torments’

What did Heracles’ blood do when he wore the tunic?

It hissed and boiled

What does virulence mean?

Actively poisonous or intensely noxious

How long after the episode with Nessus did Hercules die?

Many years ago

What did the powder of the venom do?

After it was warmed and released by the flames, it was dissolved and dispersed widely through Hercules’ limbs

Did Hercules try to tear off the fatal clothing?

Yes, but it pulled his skin off with it, partially revealing his bones

Why does Deianira believe the rumour?

Because Rumour makes her believe that Hercules is infatuated with Iola

What caused the venom on the tunic to become active?

The fire from the altar

What was the first thing Hercules did when the venom activated?

Overturned the altar

Where was Hercules during his death?

On Mount Oeta

What does Hercules shout while in pain?

His accomplishments and accuses Hera of causing his suffering

What does Hercules do to Lichas?

Throws him off a cliff

What happens to Lichas after he is thrown off the cliff?

He turns into stone

What does Hercules take on the pyre with him?

His club and lion skin

Who does Hercules give his arrows to?

Philoctetes

When burning on the pyre, how does Hercules act?

Calm

What are the gods doing during Hercules’ death?

They are fearful for him

What is Jupiter’s/Zeus’ argument for deifying Hercules?

He has completed many tasks and accomplishments during his lifetime so he has earned it

What does Hercules become when he dies?

A god