Hercules - ROME Flashcards
(7 cards)
describe the story of Hercules and Cacus?
- Source: Virgil’s Aeneid (Book 8).
- Event:
- Cacus was a monstrous, fire-breathing giant who lived in a cave on the Aventine Hill in Rome.
- After Hercules drove the cattle of Geryon through Italy during his tenth labor, Cacus stole some of the cattle and dragged them backward into his cave to hide his theft. The reverse tracks confused Hercules, but the cattle’s lowing eventually exposed their location.
- Hercules confronted Cacus, who blocked the entrance of his cave with a boulder. Despite Cacus’ fire-breathing attacks, Hercules broke into the cave by tearing through its roof. A battle ensued, and Hercules strangled Cacus to death.
- Significance:
- This act established Hercules as a protector of Rome, symbolizing Roman ideals of strength, and justice.
- His victory over Cacus connected him to the founding mythology of Rome, further linking him to the Roman identity as a cultural and heroic figure.
describe the story of Hercules and Achelous?
Source: Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Book 9).
* Theseus is being told by Achelous what happened .Achelous, a river god, sought to marry Deanira, whom Hercules also desired, Hercules and Achelous both asked Oneus to marry his daughter Deinaria, they both began saying why they each should marry Deinra ,Achelous then says “You seek father in a mothers adultery” . Hercules cannot control his anger and started to attack Achelous , Achelous is surprised by Hercules strength
*. Achelous initially used his physical strength but then transformed into various Forms, including a serpent Hercules insults as he has defeated 2 snakes in his crib, and a bull Hercules insults - having deafted Cretan bull
* Hercules overpowered Achelous in his bull form by seizing his horns and breaking one off.
* The broken horn became the “Cornucopia” or horn of plenty, symbolizing abundance and fertility.
Symbolism:
*His impulsiveness or recklessness when he immediately turns to violence. “Unable to act like a man and control his blazing anger” – not Heroic .
‘Seemed to have a mountain pressing on top of me’ superhuman strength – hero – defeats a fully-fledged God
Describe the story of Hercules and Nessus?
While traveling with his wife Deianira, Hercules reached the river Euenus, which they needed to cross, It was “impassable” Hercules had no fear but he did for his wife . Nessus, a centaur, offered to help by carrying Deianira across on his back while Hercules swam the river. Hercules hands her over. Hercules ‘Didn’t not hesitate , and did not search for where the river was calmest , scoring to claim the rivers allegiance
* Once across, Nessus revealed his true intentions and attempted to abduct or assault Deianira. Seeing this from the riverbank, Hercules Then hit Nessus with an arrow mixed with the blood of the Lernaean Hydra gushed out, Nessus (Wanting revenge) gave his poisoned tunic to denaira , presenting it to her as if it were a gift for reviving A wanning love
* * Later, when Deianira feared that Hercules might fall in love with another woman (Iole, a princess he had captured), she orderd the slave Lichas to give the robe to Hercules as a gift
* Tragically, when Hercules wore the robe, the poison from the Hydra’s blood soaked into his skin. It burned and seared his flesh, causing unbearable pain that ultimately led to his mortal death. ( yellow = not in the story)
Significance
Arrogance - bot thinking the centaur is a threat to him (not heroic )
Skilled archery – Heroism
When he hands over Deanira he doesn’t think
How did Hercules die and how was he brought up to o, Olimpia?
How Heracles Died
- Event: Heracles was unknowingly given a poisoned robe by Deianira (believing it would ensure his fidelity).
- Effect: The poison burned into his skin, causing unbearable pain. Unable to endure it, Heracles built a funeral pyre and burned himself alive.
- Outcome: Zeus intervened and brought Heracles to Olympus, granting him immortality.
why he given the labours?
- Reason: As punishment for killing his wife and children during a fit of madness induced by Hera.
- Additional Tasks: Eurystheus invalidated two labours (cleaning the Augean stables and Slaying the hydra )
- He had help from his cousin Lolus
And wanted payment
Why was Hercules important to Rome?
Why Hercules Was Important to Rome
- Symbol of Protection: His defeat of Cacus connected him to the protection and prosperity of Rome.
- Moral Virtue: Represented Roman ideals such as courage, determination, and resilience.
- Cultural Honor: Romans revered him through temples, stories (like Virgil’s Aeneid), and art.
