February 3, 2021
Herakles, the prototypical Greek
- How can a figure such as Herakles be a source not only of salvation but also of trouble and even horror for the community?
- How did narratives about Herakles, his labors, and his other deeds multiply during ancient times?
- What does a reconstruction of Mycenaean myths about Herakles bring to our understanding of this all-in-one hero?
A community discussion based on the Herakles of Euripides and touching on Indo-European models of the hero as seen in Herakles, Achilles, and Odysseus
Video of approximately 6 minutes.
Two versions of Herakles as founder of the Olympic games
Essay of approximately 1,300 words.
"Extra credit" video viewing:
Watch a presentation on and a discussion of Herakles as a figure of the Mycenaean era, based partly on depictions of Herakles in art and architecture; video of approximately 60 minutes.