ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -They were portrayed as men or women, but they were thought to be immortal and to hold special powers. The gods could exercise their powers on one another and on human beings as they wished, for their own vengeance or pleasure.

Detailed explanation-2: -Main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods or supernatural humans, while legends generally feature humans as their main characters. Many exceptions and combinations exist, as in the Iliad, Odyssey and Aeneid.

Detailed explanation-3: -The most famous of all the Greek heroes was Herakles. He was the son of Zeus, who was the king of the gods, and Alkmene, a mortal woman. In Roman and later times, Herakles was known as Hercules. He had superhuman strength-he was strong enough to carry two building columns!

Detailed explanation-4: -Heroes in Greek Mythology were men or women of special strength, courage, or ability. They were often of divine ancestry and noted for superhuman courageous acts.