Heracles (Hercules)



"Hercules combatant Achelous." Louvre, Paris, France. The statue above depicts Hercules fighting against the monster Achelous.
Click on image for full size (132K JPEG)
Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.

More than two thousand years ago, Greek people believed that a particular group of stars represented the figure of Heracles, the most famous Greek hero. The ancient Romans called him Hercules. Heracles was a courageous and strong man.

Once he did a very bad crime. In order to be forgiven, he had to perform twelve labors, each requiring great strength. Heracles did all twelve, and has been famous ever since.

Visit the constellation Hercules

Heracles (Hercules)



"Hercules combatant Achelous." Louvre, Paris, France. The statue above depicts Hercules fighting against the monster Achelous.
Click on image for full size (132K JPEG)
Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.
More than two thousand years ago, Greek people believed that a particular group of stars represented the figure of Heracles, the most famous Greek hero. The ancient Romans called him Hercules. Heracles was a courageous and strong man.

Unfortunately, Heracles had a terrible enemy: the goddess Hera. Hera was so annoyed by Heracles' strength and fame that she cast a spell over him. As a result, he committed a terrible crime. Seeking forgiveness, Heracles was told to perform twelve very difficult tasks for the king, Eurystheus.

Hercules completed the twelve tasks, using his great strength. He has been famous for this ever since.

Visit the constellation Hercules

Heracles (Hercules)



"Hercules combatant Achelous." Louvre, Paris, France. The statue above depicts Hercules fighting against the monster Achelous.
Click on image for full size (132K JPEG)
Image courtesy of Corel Corporation.
According to the Greek mythology, a particular group of stars represents the figure of the most famous Greek hero, Heracles. Heracles was a muscular man endowed with extraordinary courage and physical strength. The ancient Romans called him Hercules.

Heracles was the son of the sky god Zeus and the queen of Tiryns, Alcmene. When Hera discovered Zeus' infidelity, she decided to kill the child born from the Zeus' relationship with Alcmene. That child was Heracles. Hera placed two serpents in Heracles' cradle, but the child strangled the snakes with his bare hands, clearly revealing his divine nature. This and many other heroics made Heracles famous throughout the ancient world.

Hera was so annoyed at Heracles' growing fame that she cast a spell of madness over him. Out of control, Heracles killed his own wife and children. His remorse was so profound that when he returned to his senses he could find no peace of mind. He visited the oracle of Delphi to see how he could demonstrate his remorse.

The oracle advised him to obey the orders of Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae. Eurystheus ordered Heracles to accomplish twelve difficult tasks (the so-called Twelve Labors of Heracles). Heracles completed the twelve labors and is celebrated to this day for his great courage and strength.

Visit the constellation Hercules


Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

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