Hercules is the Latin name used in Roman mythology for a hero corresponding to the Greek mythological hero Heracles (or Herakles).
Etymology
The
Latin name is not directly borrowed from
Herakles, but is a modification of the
Etruscan name
Hercle, which derives from the Greek name via
syncope. An oath invoking Hercules (
Hercle! or
Mehercle!) was a common interjection in
Classical Latin.
Character
Hercules can be identified by his attributes, the
lion skin and the
club. He is a paragon of humanity and masculinity, and thus embodies characteristics such as great strength, great courage, and great appetites, including erotic adventures with both women and
boys or young men. These qualities did not prevent him from being regarded as a playful figure who used games to relax from his labors and played a great deal with children.
[Aelian, Varia Historia, 12.15] While he was a champion and a great warrior, he was not above cheating and using any unfair trick to his advantage. However, he was renowned as having "made the world safe for mankind" by destroying many dangerous monsters, and he was also held up as an example for never having attacked first, but for having conquered all merely by defending himself when attacked, and protecting the helpless and distraught. His self-sacrifice obtained him the ascent to the Olympian realms and he was welcomed by the gods.
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