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Greek Heroes » Heracles, the strongest hero of Ancient Greece


Heracles was the strongest and most worshipped hero of Ancient Greece

Heracles, the strongest hero of Ancient Greece in greek mythology
Relief of Heracles lying on a lion pelt . National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece
greek heroes-pictures of heracles

Ever since he was a child, Heracles made it obvious that he was not a common mortal but was in possession of extraordinary strengths and divine gifts.

Birth of Heracles

Heracles was born in Thebes, Greece, when Zeus managed to seduce his love, Alkmene, by transforming himself into her husband. The affair of Zeus with Alkmene resulted in the hatred of Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, and her determination to destroy Heracles in any way possible.

The Tragedy of Heracles and the Labors

When he reached manhood, Heracles married Megara, a princess of Thebes and together they had five children. Hera, however, who still hadn't got her revenge, armed Heracles with a destroying anger, which made him kill both his wife and his children.

When Heracles realized what he had done, he repentantly referred to the Delphic oracle, asking the Greek god Apollo what needed to be done in order to be forgiven for his faults. Apollo advised him to return to his place of origin in order to serve Eurystheus, the King of Tiryns, close to Mycenae. However, Eurystheus was on the side of Hera and tried to exterminate the hero. For this purpose he assigned the hero twelve challenging labors.


heracles knowledge game


Labors of Heracles

Heracles Labors-The Lion of Nemea
The Lion of Nemea
Heracles Labors-The Lernaean Hydra
The Lernaean Hydra
Heracles Labors-The Ceryneian Hind
The Ceryneian Hind
Heracles Labors-The Erymanthian Boar
The Erymanthian Boar
Heracles Labors-The Augean Stables
The Augean Stables
Heracles Labors-The Stymphalian Birds
The Stymphalian Birds
Heracles Labors-The Cretan Bull
The Cretan Bull
Heracles Labors-The Mares of Diomedes
The Mares of Diomedes
Heracles Labors-The Girdle of Hippolyte
The Girdle of Hippolyte
Heracles Labors-The Cattle of Geryon
The Cattle of Geryon
Heracles Labors-The Apples of the Hesperides
The Apples of the Hesperides
Heracles Labors-Cerberus, the dog of the Underworld
Cerberus, the dog of the Underworld

Myths about Heracles

Heracles Myths-Heracles and Athena
Heracles and Athena
Heracles Myths-Heracles and Pluto
Heracles and Pluto
Heracles Myths-The First Feat of Heracles
The First Feat of Heracles

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