Early Life
How and why is Hercules different from other mortals?
He has superhuman strength and stamina because he is a demi-god (the son of Zeus and a mortal).
How did Megara become Hercules’ wife?
Hercules helped the Thebans regain control of Thebes. King Creon, the ruler of Thebes was the father of Megara and he respected Hercules for his actions. For this reason, he gifted him Megara.
Who planned out the twelve labors?
King Eurystheus of Mycenae, Hercules’ cousin
Where did Hercules rescue Alcestis? Who did Hercules defeat?
Hercules rescued Alcestis from the Underworld by defeating Hades.
Why did Hercules serve Omphale after fleeing his homeland?
Hercules sought atonement for killing Iphitus.
What is one example of Hera’s dislike for Hercules? Why does she act this way toward him?
Serpents sent to Hercules’ cradle or the delay of his birth are examples. Hera is jealous of Hercules because he is the illegitimate son of Zeus, her husband (the product of an affair).
Why does Hercules kill his family?
Hera cursed Hercules with madness.
Why did Hercules agree to accomplish all twelve labors?
He followed the advice of the Oracle of Delphi and served King Eurystheus to make up for the murdering of his wife and children.
What did the King of Troy promise Hercules for saving Troy and the king’s daughter? What did Hercules do when the king broke his promise?
Hercules was promised with immortal horses. When the king broke his promise, Hercules retaliated to destroy Troy and kill the king.
What did Deianeira give Hercules? What happened to both Hercules and Deianeira afterwards?
Deianeira gave Hercules a cloak soaked in the blood of Nessos. Hercules was terribly burnt by this gift, and Deianeira committed suicide.
Why was Alcaeus given a different name?
The name Hercules was given to Alcaeus because of the challenges he faced due to Hera’s hatred toward him. She played an important role in his life and story.
Who talks Hercules out of his grief, and where does he go afterwards?
Theseus talks Hercules out of his grief. Then, Hercules goes to the Oracle at Delphi.
What happened during the fourth labor?
Hercules accidentally killed Chiron with a poison arrow while trying to protect himself.
How did Hercules help rescue the world?
Hercules aided the Olympian gods in defeating the Titans.
What did Hercules ask his son, Hyllos, to do? Why did Philokretes do it instead?
Hercules asked Hyllos to burn his body in a funeral pyre, but Hyllos could not light the fire. Philokretes did it in exchange for Hercules’ bow and arrows.
How many mentors did Hercules have? Who were they, and what was their relationship to Hercules?
ercules had three mentors. Amphitryon is his mortal father; Linus was Hercules’ music teacher; Chiron was the centaur Hercules slayed.
Who does the Oracle of Delphi send Hercules to repay his sins?
Hercules is sent to King Eurystheus.
The father of the Hesperides is Atlus.
What did Hercules do in order to marry Deianeira?
Hercules defeated Achelos, the river god.
What did Athena do with Hercules?
Athena took Hercules’ body from the flames and made him a god and resident of Mount Olympus.