Herakles
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Herakles, also known by Hercules in Roman versions, was a legendary Greek hero.
Biography
According to the mythology, Herakles was the son of the Greek god Zeus and the human woman Alcmene, and as a demigod, was known for his immense strength and stamina.
Herakles' most famous weapon was his club, a branch of a wild olive tree in Argolis. This was taken and hidden from him by the Cercopes, and the club was said to have sprouted roots and leaves when it hit the ground.[1]
Among his many adventures, the most famous were the Twelve Labours he performed for King Eurystheus of Argos. These included the slaying of the Nemean Lion, the Lernaean Hydra, the Stymphalian birds, and the capture of the Hind of Keryneia, the Erymanthian Boar, the Kretan Bull and Cerberus.[1] The eleventh labor required him to steal the Apples of Eden from the garden of the Hesperides.[2]
Influence
In classical antiquity the Cretan town of Heraklion[1] and the Egyptian city of Herakleion were named after him.[3]
In 48 BCE a gladius named Hercules' Gladius was reputedly the very sword he used to kill the Hydra although Roman swords did not exist in his lifetime.[3]
Trivia
- Ercole Massimo's family was said to have originated from the union of Hercules and an unnamed nymph. [4]
- The name Herakles (Ἡρακλῆς ) means 'Glory of Hera' which he took in an attempt to appease the goddess; his birth name is recorded as Alcaeus (Ἀλκαῖος) or alternatively Alcides, formed by the Greek word for 'strength' (Ἀλκα) appended by a patronymic.
Gallery
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Statue of Herakles in Olympia
Appearance
- Assassin's Creed II (painting only)
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (statute only)