Myth in the Tales of Hercules

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the application of myth in the tales of Hercules. The paper looks at some of the tasks that Hercules was given to accomplish, noting that they illustrate the many-faceted mind and personality of this great Greek hero. The paper also looks at other events that occurred in the tale of Hercules. The paper concludes that the myths associated with Hercules contain many elements that modern readers can relate to.

From the Paper:

"Even in ancient Rome, the eternal city on the Tiber which was allegedly founded by twins Romulus and Remus, the legend and myth of Hercules was rampant. Many Roman poets saw him as a compliment to the artistic Muses and categorized many natural things as being sacred to Hercules. In fact, some of these poets wrote very long poetical sonnets in honor of Hercules which were read by the ordinary people of the city and by those in higher social positions. Thus, as another archetype, the heroic exploits of Hercules were symbolic of all people from all walks of life and often influenced them to strive for better things and to do good deeds for people and for society as a whole. In today's world, this symbolism can be found everywhere which is one reason why the Roman poets and those in Greece chose the myth of Hercules as representative of man and his various cultures."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boardman, John, et al. The Oxford History of the Classical World. UK: Oxford University Press, 1966.
• Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. New York: Little, Brown & Company, 1998.
• Martin, Thomas R. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1996.
• Morford, Mark and Robert J. Lenardon. Classical Mythology. New York: Random House, 1977.

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