Hercules, the perfect embodiment of an idea the Greeks called pathos, the experience of virtuous struggle and suffering which would lead to fame and, in Hercules' case, Immortality
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Hercules you were without a doubt, Greece's greatest hero
you overcame the greatest trials and tribulations known to man
the pathological Goddess Hera tricked you into losing your own mind
and in the confusion, killing your own wife and family
yet when you awoke from your temporary insanity
you beseeched the God Apollo for forgiveness and guidance
and you were given twelve years in punishment for their murders
in servitude to Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns
with twelve impossible feats to accomplish
if you sought to erase the sentence
of your misdemeanours
the Twelve Labours Of Hercules
would become a benchmark for future generations
to behold and wonder at your magnificence and extraordinariness
you were blessed with the favours of the deities Hermes and Athena
who helped you every step of the way
as you returned the skin of an invulnerable lion
and killed the Lernean Hydra
brought back the Hind of Ceryneia
as well as recovering the Erymanthian boar alive
and humbly cleaned up the vast stables of King Augeas
whilst destroying the huge Stymphalian Birds
as well as disposing of the Cretan Bull
thou conquerd the man-eating mares of Diomedes
and didst retrieve the magical belt of Hippolyte
journeyed to the end of the world
and recovered the unique cattle of the monster Geryon
you also returned with the Golden Apples of Zeus
topping it all with vanquishing Death and Hades
kidnapping the beast called Cerberus
who guarded the Gates of the Underworld
Yes You Hercules
were the greatest man and hero
since the Dawning of Civilisation
Copyright by Peter Paton 2006
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A Herculean task, presenting the stories in a fresh, new, exciting way--you have muscled your way to the top of poetic excellence! Take a bow, my friend, you've done good. REAL good.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Birgit and Roger
Love,
Eileen
Love Tinka
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in America, Karen Lynn in Texas. :D
and learn at the same time. It is obvious that you put heart,
mind, and soul into each of your creations. I. too, have a
passion for history, as well as for the poetic arts. But though
I have read a lot about the Greeks, mythology, and so on, the
information slips through the {multitudinous} cracks in my
cranium time & again. This is a great refresher lesson. . .and
more. . . M e r c i, mon ami. With respect, admiration, and
affection. . .g r a t i t u d e, 'Pea' <3
PS That is a fabulous graphic!
Susan