Hercules and Alcaeus

 

The story of Hercules is indeed portrayed as a hero in his journey. Over the centuries, he is looked upon by most people as a superhero because of his brute strength to fight different creatures and overcome challenges. Surely, there are lots of people who admire him as a heroic figure in mythology. All of this fanaticism and righteous portrayal in mainstream media of Hercules contribute more to his moral uprightness, but we cannot deny the fact in his story, and just like to any other heroes, that he also has traits and undesirable actions. 

First, Hercules has a quick-tempered attitude that makes him emotionally impulsive and physically aggressive. This attitude gave him the major problem of his life, which is the Twelve Labors for the atonement of his horrible action. It happened when Hercules was consumed by his madness and killed his own family. This is really a horrible crime but it is not an unthinkable thing to happen, because it is not his first time to kill someone out of rage. One example of that is when he killed his music teacher by hitting him with a lyre during an argument.

Second, he might be fighting for his atonement but he exhibited expedient behavior and tried to take advantage of some people at some points in his life. During the fifth labor wherein he is tasked to clean the stables of Augeius in one day, Hercules told him that he would do it if he would be given the tenth of his herd. At this point, he showed a lack of remorse for his wrongdoing in the past and forgot his main purpose of atonement. Suddenly, he wanted material gratification over his moral success. Aside from that, He, again, showed his rage and promise to kill Augeius when he did not honor the deal they had.

Third, Hercules may be mostly known for his extraordinary strength, but he also has a clever mind that made him deceptive sometimes. He exhibited this cunning personality during the 11th labor when he was tasked to bring back the Golden Apples of Hesperides. He offered Atlas to carry the universe for him if he got those apples for him. Atlas did get Hesperides' Apples,  but Hercules tricked him by requesting him to hold the universe one last time so he could adjust his cloak to hold the universe more comfortably. Atlas agreed to help but when he got the universe, Hercules stole the apples and left him alone.

Heroes like Hercules remind us that heroes should not be viewed with fanaticism but with admiration to emulate their good sides and learn from their bad sides. His story showed that a hero is not considered as one because of being perfect but because of his/her ability and perseverance to rise above his/her flaws and limitations.