Hercules

Hercules is a hero in Roman mythology. He is a mortal son of Alcmene and Zeus. Hercules is known for his great strength. In Greek mythology he is named Herakles, but he has some different stories.

Hercules and the Hydra, a painting by Antonio del Pollaiolo. Now it is in the Uffizi in Florence

Etymology

The name Hercules (Latin Herculēs) comes from the Etruscan Hercle. He was an Etruscan hero who was the equivalent to the Greek hero Herakles.

The twelve

In one of the more well known stories of Hercules, he had to complete twelve tasks. These tasks were:

• Kill the Nemean Lion and bring back its fur. (Leo)
• Kill the Lernaean Hydra.
• Capture the Ceryneian Hind.
• Capture the Erymanthian Boar.
• Clean the Augean stables in a single day.
• Kill the Stymphalian Birds.
• Capture the Cretan Bull.
• Steal the Mares of Diomedes.
• Get the Girdle of Hippolyte.
• Get the Cows of Geryon.
• Steal the Apples of the Hesperides.
• Capture Cerberus, the guardian dog of The Underworld and bring him back.

Other versions of the title Hercules

Hercules is also a character in Marvel Comics. He was an ally of the mighty Thor. He is the leader and a founding member of the super team the Champions. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962.

Hercules also appears in the 1997 Disney movie of the same name, in which he is voiced by Tate Donovan.

Other websites

Media related to Hercules at Wikimedia Commons