Heracles: Background Flashcards
Who were Heracles ‘parents’ and where did they live ?
Alcmene and Amphitryon (technically Zeus)
Lived in Thebes
Who was Hercules’ dad ? Explain why
Zeus
Amphitryon was on campaign and Zeus visited Alcmene
What form did Zeus take to avoid suspicion?
He took the form of Amphitryon
- when the actual Amphitryon found out he didn’t mind as he realised he was a god
Why did Hera try to kill Hercules ?
- Zeus said his son would be like him on earth
- Hera doesn’t like this and tries to kill him
What where the two measures Hera took to try and kill Hercules ?
- tried to prolong his brith hoping to kill him and Alcmene but her midwife helped Alcemene and he was born
- she sent to snakes to try kill him but baby Hercules strangled them
What did Alcemene do to Hercules ?
She abandoned him in a wood as she feared Heras anger
Athena took Hercules to Olympus but he was rejected due to Hera so Alcmene raised him
Who is Hercules protector ?
Goddess Athena
How did Hercules marry ?
Creons daughter Megara
What did Hera do to Hercules later in his life and why ?
She sent the goddess of Madness to infect Hercules
Driven insane he killed both his Wife and children
What did he do next after killing his wife ?
Went to the Delphic oricole
Here he was told to service king Eurytheus for twenty years
