Iconography of Heracles

Heracles often fights his battles using his bare hands

Heracles often fights his battles using his bare hands

This highlights his supernatural strength as he is able to overcome his enemies by sheer muscle power

Heracles fights his battles using his club

Common in iconography and shows his impressive nature as a hero - even with a club, he doesn’t have much of an advantage over more technological weapons

Heracles is often depicted wearing a lion skin

This is the symbol of his victory over the Nemean Lion, and his trophy for winning

Heracles is always shown with bulging muscles

This emphasises his immense strength and provides a direct comparison to other fighters

Heracles has tanned skin in mosaics

This references him often being outside to fight against monsters, and is a virile aspect (has great energy and strength)