The Humanization Of Heracles In Homer's Odyssey

The twelve labors, however arguably varied in one translation to another, include: The Nemean Lion, The Lernaean Hydra, The Ceryneian Hind, The Erymanthian Boar, The Augean Stables, The Stymphalian Birds, The Cretan Bull, The Mares of Diomedes, The girdle of Hippolyta, The Cattle of Geryon, The Apples of Hesperides, and Cerebus. In these labors, “Heracles has changed from local hero into the benefactor of all humankind” (Morford, Pg.566). In Greek Myth, Homer proclaims, “I will sing of Heracles, the son of Zeus and much of the mightiest men on earth,” and “Once he used to wander over unmeasured tracts of land and sea at the bidding of King Eurystheus, and himself did many deed of violence and endured many; but now he lives happily in the glorious home of snowy Olympus, and has neat-ankled Hebe for his wife” (Homeric Hymn, 1914). In Green’s retelling of these labors, he fails to mention the last three. Which as our text notes, “the last three labors are most
According to Dr.Steven Diamond, “Human existence and the individuation process itself demands such heroic strength, stamina and courage from each of us in various ways,” and “we all face at times seemingly impossible tasks, intimidating obstacles, serious stumbling blocks--our own Herculean labors to reckon with in life” (Diamond, 2009). He also makes note that “the greatest and best beloved of Greek heroes, Hercules, still has much to teach us about bravely meeting life’s challenges, dealing with fate, and finding and fulfilling our destiny” (Diamond, 2009). Heracles appears to not just be a character of strength, but lends himself to a psychological understanding of our own lives as well. Even though rarely are we placed in the position to bear such physically demanding tasks, we all have our own Herculean tasks, just like we all have our own Achilles Heel, or according to Freud, our own Oedipus