Why the Character of Hecules is Problematic

Heracles was an illegitimate child of Zeus and the son of Alkmene. The nature of his conception is itself complex. Zeus, taken by the beauty of Alkmene, morphed into the shape of Amphitrion (Alkmenes’ husband) and proceeded to make love to her. Whilst this does not directly contribute to Heracles being a problematic character, it is fitting that his conception had complicated circumstances.

The conflicting treatment Heracles received from different Gods is another factor in making Heracles a problematic character. Hera pestered Heracles throughout his life, whilst other Gods favoured him. On one side Hera continually tries to hinder and on occasions kill Heracles and Poseidon and the sky God were also ‘anti’ Heracles. On the other side Apollo often helped Heracles with weaponry and Athene would give him advice, such as the time she gave Heracles the idea to lift Antius rather

Not only did the Gods’ views of Heracles differ, so did the authors who wrote about the character Heracles. Homers’ accounts of him are quite damning. His summary of Heracles’ character from The Iliad (Penguin, Robert Fagles) is that he was a “Brute, heavy handed, who thought nothing of the bad he was doing.” This related to Heracles’ murderous and hotheaded nature. Homer was critical at Heracles’ willingness to draw his weaponry and lack of thought behind his actions. Ovid however in Metamorphoses (Penguin, Betty Radice) depicts him as brave and valiant. On top of this he also portrays him as chivalrous. Towards the end of his life Heracles (Ovid of course uses the Latin name Hercules) is faced with the “ raging waters of Evenus.” Ovid writes “Hercules had no fear for himself, but he was troubled about his wife…” In this one statement Ovid portrays Heracles as both brave and caring. Euripides also shows Heracles to be valiant in his play ‘Alcestis’. In this he saves Alcestis’ life by defeating Death. This was a selfless act performed by Heracles and was also justified. The contradicting portrayals of Heracles make him a problematic character. It is hard to come to any conclusions on his nature as we are told conflicting reports. The fact that the authors and poets who wrote of him were writing hundreds of years apart also contributes to these contradictions.

than to continue to knock him down. It cannot be said Heracles was loved or hated by the Gods and therefore fuelling the problems surrounding him.

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Some topics in this essay:
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