Hercules and His Twelve Labors: Analysis of Major Characters
Hercules, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is the son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. Known for his immense strength and heroic exploits, Hercules is famously tasked with completing twelve labors after incurring the jealousy of Juno, Jupiter's wife. These labors serve as a means for Juno to seek vengeance against Hercules, with the hope that he will fail or perish during these daunting challenges. The labors include formidable tasks such as slaying the Nemean lion, capturing the elusive golden stag, and retrieving Cerberus, the three-headed dog from the Underworld.
Key characters surrounding Hercules include Jupiter, his divine father; Alcmena, his mortal mother; and Eurystheus, his cousin who assigns the labors under Juno's influence. Another important figure is Rhadamanthus, Hercules' tutor, whose fate is tragically sealed by Hercules' own actions. Hercules' journey through these labors not only showcases his physical prowess but also delves into themes of struggle, redemption, and the complexities of divine and mortal relationships. This rich tapestry of characters and challenges provides a deep insight into the legendary hero's narrative and the cultural values of ancient Greece.
Hercules and His Twelve Labors: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: Unknown
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Mediterranean region
Plot: Adventure
Time: Remote antiquity
Hercules (HUR-kyew-leez), the son of Jupiter and Alcmena. He is a mortal. As a child, he is the object of Juno's jealousy. Through her influence, he is commanded to carry out twelve labors, in hopes that he will be killed in accomplishing one of them: (1) he must strangle the Nemean lion; (2) he must kill the nine-headed hydra; (3) he must capture the dread Erymanthian boar; (4) he must capture a stag with golden antlers and brazen feet; (5) he must get rid of the carnivorous Stymphalian birds; (6) he must cleanse the stables of Augeas; (7) he must capture the sacred bull of Minos; (8) he must drive away the carnivorous mares of Diomedes; (9) he must secure the girdle of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons; (10) he must bring back the oxen belonging to the monster Geryoneus; (11) he must bring back the golden apples of the Hesperides; and (12) he must bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the Underworld.
Jupiter (JEW-pih-tur), king of the gods, Hercules' father.
Alcmena (alk-MEE-nee), a mortal woman, Hercules' mother.
Juno (JEW-noh), Jupiter's wife. Jealous of mortal Alcmena, she hopes to cause Hercules' death and thus be avenged.
Eurystheus (yew-RIHS-thews), Hercules' cousin. Acting for Juno, he assigns the twelve labors.
Rhadamanthus (rad-uh-MAN-thuhs), Hercules' tutor, killed by Hercules when he punishes the boy.
Amphitryon (am-FIHT-ree-on), Hercules' foster father. He rears the boy as a shepherd, high in the mountains.