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Hercules

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Hercules is thought to be one of the world’s greatest hero. There are children’s movies about him, but they all have a happy ending. Hercules, originally born “Heracles” lived a short cruel, yet heroic life. “The 12 Herculean tasks he performed over a period of 12 years have been immortalized in everything from classical poetry to Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion.” (French 1). Hercules, in Greek mythology, was a hero known for his strength and courage and for his legendary adventures. Hercules is the Roman name for the Greek hero Heracles. He was the son of the god Zeus and a human mother Alcmene, wife of the Theban general Amphitryon. Hera, Zeus' jealous wife, was determined to kill Hercules, and after Hercules was born, she …show more content…

As the renowned hero approached the flock, he made a noise with a great rattle. The birds took flight, and Hercules, whose prowess as a marksman evidently equaled his strength, was able to slay them as they flew.
The Cretan Bull. The Cretan bull was a magnificent but terrible brute owned by King Minos of Crete. When it got out of control, Hercules was ordered to capture it. Once again, having used his great strength and skill to advantage, Hercules entered the halls of Eurystheus with a huge beast draped over his broad shoulders. The Horses of Diomedes. Diomedes, the cruel king of Thrace, fed his horses on human flesh. They were swift, beautiful beasts, but violent and difficult to restrain. Hercules was ordered to snatch them from their owner.
He succeeded in capturing them, but Diomedes and his men pursued him. Hercules turned on his pursuers. They fought, and he was victorious. He threw the body of Diomedes to the horses. After they had eaten their master, they became tame, and Hercules had no trouble leading them back to Eurystheus. The Girdle of Hippolyta. Hippolyta was the queen of the Amazons, a band of warrior women whose reputation for courage was untarnished.
Among the Amazons only female children were raised; the boys were either put to death or given to neighboring tribes. Hercules was ordered to secure the girdle of the warrior queen. Because of Hercules' great reputation, Hippolyta received him with respect and

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