Grrek Mythology Heroes - 2122 Words

Q) In what ways are Perseus and Heracles typical heroes? In what way are they not typical? In the realm of Greek myth, it is the focus on heroes rather than of Gods themselves that humanises the myth. Although Gods may operate in the background it is the human traits such as worth, dignity and potential that holds the main focus. The heroes of Greek myth share certain characteristics or experiences. Some of these include a divine parent or ancestor, physical strength, a performance of seemingly â€Å"impossible feats† and an encounter with divine powers. Although the hero has his own characteristics, he will typically follow a traditional pattern throughout his life. Both the work of mythographer Lord Raglan and the Russian folkorist†¦show more content†¦Heracles too assumed the rite of passage of the Greek hero. He was born the son of Zeus and the mortal women Alcmene. He too was threatened as an infant. Hera, motivated from Zeus infidelities, made every attempt to destroy him. Firstly, Hera tried to retard the birth of Heracles and brought the premature birth of Eurytheus so by aborting his destiny.8 She sent a serpent into his cradle but the might of the young infant strangled it and survived. During his youth, Heracles turns his prowess to good use. He kills a marauding lion that was devouring the flocks of King Thespius. For the good of humanity, Heracles helps many. As stated by Harris, â€Å"Heracles helps many kings – leading armies, defeating armies, and, building and defending cities.†9 This fact is further pointed out by Linda McGuire’s article titled Heracles: Super Hero in which she states Heracles work of restoring order and furthering the common good. â€Å"He destroys monsters that threaten crops and herds, rescues the populace from cruel rulers and†¦ overcomes tremendous physical odds and conquers unknown territory, all to organise and consolidate the world into order and deliver it from chaos.†10 Heracles like other heroes was given King Creon’s daughter Megara’s ha nd in marriage for a reward of helping the Thebans defeat their enemies. However like other heroes in times of peace, Heracles’s traits cause his undoing. In a fit of rage he kills his wife and children, an event