Exam3 - LCT18: Heracles I Flashcards
Greek hero’s
- class of extraordinary humans (sometimes descended from a god+mortal = “demigods”)
- most are associated w/ particular cities/regions
- NOT always like modern idea of a hero –> not always models of virtue, sacrifice, fair play, etc
Heracles characteristics
most popular but a contradictory figure
- man/god
- powerful/servant
- civilizer/brute
Heracles attributes
huge appetites –> violence, sex, win
weapons –> club, bow, lionskin
Alcmene
princess, promised marriage to Amphitryon
Amphitryon may not marry Alcmene until he does what?
avenges the deaths of her brothers
Why Amphitryon is off to war… What does Zeus do?
tricks Alcmene - assumes appearance of Amphitryon and makes love to her (makes night 3x as long…)
What happens to Alcmene after Amphitryon is back?
gives birth to twins
- by Zeus = Heracles
- by Amphitryon = Iphicles
What was Zeus’ prophecy?
a man descend from me who is born today will rule all those around him
What does Hera do in revenge?
Hera sends Eileithyia to…
- delay the birth of Heracles
- speed up the birth of Eurystheus (Zeus’ great-grandson)
Because of Hera, what happens?
Eurystheus will fulfill Zeus’ prophecy not Heracles
What does Hera send to Heracle’s cradle? What does he do?
sends snakes, Heracles strangles them
Who does Heracles marry? What does Heracles do?
marries Megara and has three kids
- Hera drives him temporarily insane and he kills his wife and three kids
What does Delphi tell Heracles to do to make up for killing his family? What happens if he is successful?
“atonement - servitude to Eurysetheus (now a powerful king) for 12 years”
- if successful, Heracles will become immortal
Athloi
contests or labors
Parerga
side adventures
