Early life of heracles

• Who is more commonly known as Hercules?

  Heracles
• What victories of Hercules will be examined in the study material?

  His victories over Acheleus and Nessus
• Which poet's work is referenced in relation to Hercules' victories?

  Virgil's Aeneid
• What are the main themes explored in the study of Hercules?

  • Hercules' victories over Acheleus and Nessus
  • Comparison of Hercules' importance to Greeks and Romans
• Who are the parents of Heracles?

  Alcmene and Zeus
• How did Alcmene mistakenly believe she was with her husband?

  Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon
• What was the consequence of Alcmene being pregnant with Amphitryon's child while also carrying Zeus' child?

  She would have two children
• What did Zeus boast about before the boys were born?

  That his son would rule the Earth
• Who was born first, Eurytheus or Heracles?

  Eurytheus
• What was Hera's reaction to Zeus' affair?

  She was angry and made Zeus vow that the firstborn son would rule
• What did Hera attempt to do during the birth of Heracles?

  She tried to have Heracles and Alcmene die
• What did Hera send to kill Heracles as a baby?

  Two snakes
• How did Heracles respond to the snake attack?


  He strangled the snakes in his cot
• What did Alcmene do after the failed snake plot?

  She abandoned Heracles in the woods
• Who recovered Heracles after he was abandoned?

  Athena
• What happened when Athena took Heracles to Mount Olympus?


  He was sent away by Hera
• Who became Heracles' protector after he was sent away from Mount Olympus?

  Athena
• Who did Heracles marry when he became a man?

  Megara
• What did Hera do out of anger towards Heracles after he married Megara?

  She sought the goddess of madness, Mania, to infect him
• What tragic act did Heracles commit while under the influence of Mania?

  He killed his wife and children
• What did Heracles do after he killed his family?

  He exiled himself from Thebes
• Where did Heracles go to seek guidance after his exile?

  Oracle of Delphi
• What did the Oracle advise Heracles to do?

  To serve his half-brother, King Eurytheus, for twelve years
• What was the Oracle's true intention behind advising Heracles to serve Eurytheus?

  It was Hera's plan to make him complete impossible tasks
• How many tasks were initially set for Heracles to complete?

  Ten tasks
• Why were the tasks extended to twelve for Heracles?


  Because he received help or payment during two of them