Topic 2: The Universal Hero

Heracles/Hercules - The greatest hero of the ancient world

GCSE Classical Civilisation - J199/11

By the end of this topic, you will be able to:

Define what makes a hero in ancient mythology and how heroes differ from gods and mortals
Explain the birth, early life, and tragic circumstances that led to Heracles' labours
Identify and describe all twelve labours and their representation at Olympia
Analyse Heracles' role as founder of the Olympic Games and his importance in Greek religion
Evaluate the Homeric Hymn to Heracles and its religious significance
Compare Greek Heracles with Roman Hercules as protector of Rome
Analyse Ovid's account of Hercules' final battles and death
Assess how the Romans adapted Greek hero myths for their own political and cultural purposes

Homeric Hymn to Heracles the Lion-Hearted

A short hymn celebrating Heracles' divine status and his role as protector of mortals
Ovid, Metamorphoses 9.1-272

The battles with Achelous and Nessus, and the tragic death of Hercules through Nessus' poisoned shirt
Virgil, Aeneid 8.190-305

The story of Hercules and Cacus, establishing Hercules as protector of Rome

2.1

The Nature of Heroes

Explore what defines a hero in ancient mythology and how they bridge the gap between mortals and immortals.

Covers: Hero definition, divine parentage vs mortality, kleos (glory), hero cults, apotheosis, heroes vs gods vs mortals

Start Topic 2.1

2.2

Birth and Early Life

Discover Heracles' divine origins, Hera's jealousy, and the tragic events that led to his need for redemption.

Covers: Zeus and Alcmene, Hera's persecution, infant serpents, education, madness of Heracles, murder of family

Start Topic 2.2

2.3

The Twelve Labours

Examine all twelve labours, their representation at Olympia, and Heracles as founder of the Olympic Games.

Covers: All 12 labours in detail, Temple of Zeus metopes, Olympic Games foundation, symbolism and geography

Start Topic 2.3

2.4

Heracles in Greek Religion

Analyse the Homeric Hymn and explore Heracles' unique status as both hero and god in Greek worship.

Covers: Homeric Hymn (prescribed text), hero cults, temples and festivals, apotheosis, religious significance

Start Topic 2.4

2.5

Hercules in Rome

Explore Hercules as Roman protector and analyse Ovid's account of his final battles and death.

Covers: Hercules and Cacus, Ovid's Metamorphoses (prescribed text), battles with Achelous and Nessus, death and deification, Roman adaptations

Start Topic 2.5

salve! 👋