1. Greek and Roman Writers of Mythology
Most stories of classical mythology came from Latin poet Ovid
Most of the stories we have came from Homer (Iliad and the Odyssey) and Hesiod (Theogony)
Others include Aeschylus (tragic poet), Pindar (lyric poet), Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes (comedian), and Apollodorus (most voluminous next to Ovid)
Roman writers included Virgil (Aeneid) and Catullus

2. Homer
Him
Not Him

3. Sentimentality Greek writers were not sentimental
They didn’t dwell upon emotion for emotion sake.
Simply told the stories
Some were more exciting writers (ie: Homer) others were dull (ie: Apollodorus)

4. The mortal who became a god
Hercules
The mortal who became a god

5. Characteristics of Hercules
Strong, courageous
Irrational
Remorseful
NOT intelligent
Demi-god---1/2 mortal 1/2 god

6. Rock a Bye Baby
As a child, became hero when he saved himself and brother in the cradle

7. Killer Instinct Responsible for many deaths, intended and unintended
Some deaths were planned
Some were accidents

8. Not Guilty by Reason of Temporary Insanity
Because of Hera’s rage at Zeus’s adulterous affair (which produced Hercules), she cast a spell on Hercules that would cause him great grief
He killed his own wife and kids

9. 12 Labors of Hercules

10. Labor 1: Slay the Nemean lion and bring back its hide

11. Labor 2: slay the 9 headed Lernaean hydra
VIDEO

12. Labor 3: capture the golden stag of Artemis

13. Labor 4: capture the Erymanthian boar

14. Labor 5: clean the Augean stables in one day

15. Labor 6: slay the Stymphalian birds

16. 7th Labor: capture Cretan bull

17. 8th labor: steal the mares of Diomedes

18. 9th Labor: obtain the girdle of
The Amazon queen Hippolyte

19. 10th Labor: obtain the Cattle of the monster Geryon

20. 11th Labor: obtain the apples of Hesperides, guarded by the 100-headed dragon Ladon

21. 12th Labor Capture Cerberus, guardian dog of Hades, using no weapons and bring him back

22. Can a killer be heroic?
Hercules is the epitome of a hero despite his irrational behavior, lack of control of his emotions, etc…
WHY?