Hercules

Hercules, the Roman equivalent of Heracles, is known for his strength and adventures in classical mythology. Romans adapted Greek hero iconography for literature and art, but Hercules is more commonly used in Western art and popular culture due to his multifaceted nature.
Hercules, a Roman hero, faced personal issues at birth, with witches tricked and serpents sent to kill him. Alcmene abandoned her baby in the woods, but the goddess Minerva found him and brought him to Juno. Juno suckled her, spilling her milk across the Milky Way, and gave the infant back to Minerva, who inadvertently increased his strength and power.
After the Roman Empire's Christianization, mythological narratives were often interpreted as allegory, influenced by late antiquity's philosophy. Hercules' return from the underworld symbolized his ability to overcome earthly desires. Medieval mythography saw Hercules as a strong role model, symbolizing valor and wisdom. Latin was the primary language for mythology.
The Renaissance and the printing press led to a renewed interest in Greek literature, with mythography focusing on the Greek tradition of Heracles, often known as Hercules or Alcides. Natale Conti, in his book Mythologiae, collected and summarized various myths about Hercules' birth, adventures, and death. He described Hercules as a courageous and renowned hero, renowned for his wisdom and great soul. The ancients honored him with temples, altars, ceremonies, and priests, but it was his wisdom and great soul that earned him these honors. In 1600, the citizens of Avignon bestowed the title of Hercule Gaulois on Henry of Navarre, the future King Henry IV of France. This flattery was justified by a genealogy tracing the House of Navarre's origin to a nephew of Hercules' son Hispalus.
Category:Roman Pantheon
Category:God