Hercules: The Origins and History of Ancient Mythology's Most Famous Hero

*Includes pictures*Includes ancient accounts of Hercules*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading“Hercules, who subdued and destroyed monsters, bandits, and criminals, was justly famous and renowned for his great courage. His great and glorious reputation was worldwide, and so firmly entrenched that he'll always be remembered. In fact the ancients honored him with his own temples, altars, ceremonies, and priests. But it was his wisdom and great soul that earned those honors; noble blood, physical strength, and political power just aren't good enough.” – Natale ContiThere are few mythological characters that require less of an introduction than Hercules. His “labours” are known and have been reimagined by cultures far beyond their Greek beginnings, and he continues to influence modern culture in more ways than any other ancient Greek hero.What is curious about Hercules’s character is that, despite his fame even in the ancient world, there was no authoritative sou