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HEROES: HERACLES<br />
H<br />
eracles is one of the most<br />
recognised and famous of the<br />
divine HEROES in Greek<br />
mythology. The son of ZEUS and<br />
the mortal woman Alcmene, he<br />
was considered the greatest of the<br />
heroes, a symbol of masculinity,<br />
sire of a long line of royal clans<br />
and the champion of the<br />
Olympian order against terrible<br />
monsters.<br />
Heracles was born to the mortal<br />
woman Alcmene and Zeus, who<br />
disguised himself as her husband<br />
Amphitryon home early from the<br />
war. Heracles’ existence was<br />
proof of Zeus’ illicit affairs and<br />
HERA, his wife, enraged by this<br />
conspired against him as revenge<br />
for her husband’s infidelities.<br />
Heracles was known for his<br />
extraordinary strength, courage<br />
and cleverness. When his brawn<br />
would not suffice, he would call<br />
upon his wits to outsmart the King<br />
Augeas of Elis or tricking ATLAS<br />
into taking the weight of the<br />
heavens once again. With HERMES,<br />
Heracles was the patron and<br />
protector of gymnasia, and he was<br />
a playful individual playing games<br />
and entertaining children. He was<br />
often portrayed with a lion skin<br />
and a club. The most famous<br />
stories of his life were The Twelve<br />
Labours of Heracles.
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