The birth of Heracles● Son of Zeus and Alcmena○ Zeus’ impersonation of Amphitryon○ Birth of twins Heracles and Iphicles● Anger of Hera○ snake attack afterbirth● Birth of Eurystheus○ Zeus’ boast: birthday of descendant who will rule others○ Heracles’ servitude to EurystheusLabors of Heracles● Madness of Heracles○ Induced by Hera○ Murder of Megara & children● The twelve labors○ Atonement for murders○ six Peloponnesian labors○ six non-Peloponnesian labors○ Transformation from local to universal hero● Inconsistent chronologyPeloponnesian Labors I1. Nemean Lion● killed with club● Heracles wears lion skin2. Lernaean Hydra (9 headed serpent)● help from nephew lolaus● sky god vs. serpent3. Cerynean Hind (deer)● Sacred to Artemis● Brought to Eurystheus alivePeloponnesian Labors II4. Erymanthian boar● Trapped with nets● Brought to Eurystheus alive5. Augean Stables● Stables of Augeas cleaned out● Cleverness: diversion of rivers6.Stymphalian Birds● Shot with arrows● Help from AthenaNon-Peloponnesian Labors7. Cretan Bull● Brought alive to Eurystheus8. Mares of Diomedes● Man-eating mares tamed● Diomedes eaten9. Gridle of Hippolyta (Amazon queen)● Magical girdle retrieved● Defeat of Amazons, death of HippolytaConquering Death 10. Cattle of Geryon (Monster herdsman)● Travel to far west via river Ocean● Cattle retrieved across sea and land● The west and death11. Apples of the Hesperides● Golden apples retrieved from far west● Help from Atlas● Apples as symbol of immortality12. Cerberus● 3 headed dog retrieved from underworld Heracles: Model Hero● Divine parentage and unusual conception● Impossible tasks○ Encounters with beasts and monsters○ Quests○ Trips to underworld● Role of Eurystheus● Help from gods and others● Important civilizing