ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Hercules (known in Greek mythology as Heracles or Herakles) is one of the best-known heroes in ancient mythology. His life was not easy-he endured many trials and completed many daunting tasks-but the reward for his suffering was a promise that he would live forever among the gods at Mount Olympus.

Detailed explanation-2: -Heracles – or Hercules in Roman times – is one of Greek mythology’s most celebrated characters. Son of Zeus and a demi-god with superhuman strength, Heracles became the ultimate symbol of masculine power and bravery.

Detailed explanation-3: -Determined to kill Zeus’s illegitimate son, Hercules, Hera sent two snakes to strangle the baby in his sleep. Luckily for Hercules, having Zeus as a father meant he was a demigod, unusually strong and fearless. He grabbed each snake by the neck and strangled them just before they were able to strike.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are at least four main authors from classical times who wrote about Hercules and his labors: Apollodorus, Diodorus Siculus, Hyginus, and Euripides. The epic poet Homer also mentions Hercules in The Iliad. In addition, there are several passages in The Greek Anthology that refer to Hercules and his 12 labors.

Detailed explanation-5: -Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa Another famous tale from Greek Mythology is the killing of the terrifying Gorgon Medusa from the great hero Perseus. Perseus was a demigod, son of the Olympian god Zeus and the mortal woman Danae. Perseus sought to kill Medusa, the only mortal of the three monstrous sisters.