The Hero's Journey of Hercules

Status Quo

300

Hercules was both the most famous hero of ancient times and the most beloved. More stories were told about him than any other hero. Hercules was worshiped in many temples all over Greece and Rome.

The Hero's Journey of Hercules

Period: 300 to 330

Call to Adventure

303

Hera sent a fit of madness to Hercules that put him into so great a rage, he murdered Megara and the children. When Hercules regained his senses and saw the horrible thing that he had done, he asked the god Apollo to rid him of this pollution. Apollo commanded the hero to do certain tasks as a punishment for his wrongs, so that the evil might be cleansed from his spirit.

Assistance

305

Hercules hurried to the temple where Apollo gave such advice. It was in the town of Delphi and was called the Delphic oracle. Apollo said that in order to purify himself for the spilling of his family's blood, he had to perform 10 heroic labors (this number would soon be increased to 12).

Departures

306

Hercules set out to start the 12 labors he had to complete to become immortal and for his sin to be forgiven.

Trials

307

Hercules had to complete 12 labors.

Approach

309

Hercules got even more bad news. Apollo declared that he had to go to the city of Tiryns. The king of Tiryns was Eurystheus. Eurystheus had a reputation for being mean, and Hercules knew that the king would give him a tough time. The hero had to serve Eurystheus for twelve years while he performed the Labors.

Crisis

311

In labor number 2 Hercules had to slay the hydra but the hydra had a friend of its own: a huge crab began biting the trapped foot of Hercules. Quickly disposing of this nuisance, most likely with a swift bash of his club.

Treasure

313

After completing these twelve labors, Heracles is finally able to atone for the murder of his children. His guilty conscience is wiped clean.

Results

315

After completing the Twelve Labors, one tradition says Hercules joined Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. However Herodotus (c. 400 BC) disputed this, and denied Hercules ever sailed with the Argonauts. A separate tradition has Hercules accompany the Argonauts, but he did not travel with them as far as Col chis.

Return

317

Heracles gives his wife to his friend/nephew Iolaus and goes on his merry way.

New Life

325

Hercules got married a second time, to the beautiful Deianira. When Hercules was returning from his last adventure, Deianira gave him a welcome-home present. This was a cloak which she had woven herself.

Resolution

330

Hercules became a god, and lived with his second wife Deianira.