Conception and Birth of Heroes in Greek Mythology Essay

Hero, the word strikes a universal chord making us think of exceptional and spectacular stories or deeds that far surpass any common feat. To the Greeks and many other cultures, the birth of these heroes is important. The birth of a hero sets them, apart often even before birth, from common mortals in Greek mythology. Birth is the first of many major events in our lives, our entrance into the world (Leeming). For heroes, that entrance must be as special as their lives will prove to be. A mundane birth is simply not an option for a hero, whether by the machinations of the gods or prophecies from an oracle, even the events surrounding their conception must be spectacular. From Perseus and Danaà « to Theseus and Aethra, the myths†¦show more content†¦Theseus, born of Aethra and Poseidon, grew up secretly in Troezen keeping him protected from those who would harm him. Thus, claiming the items his father left him and setting out for Athens, he started on the path leading to many great and heroic adventures. Hercules, born of Alcmena and Zeus, was conceived when Zeus took the form of Alcmena’s husband and lay with her. Her true husband lay with her again later that night and she conceived twins. One would be born to her human husband, and the other fathered by Zeus himself (Hamilton). Zeus bragged about his soon to be born son alerting and infuriating Hera to Hercules existence. Hera was notorious for tormenting her husbands’ illegitimate offspring since she couldn’t harm Zeus outright for his infidelity (Hamilton). Hera persuaded Eileithyia to slow Alcmena’s labor in a fit of piquà ©, almost killing her (Hamilton). Alcmena in fear of Hera’s wrath gave her son to nature. Zeus (in some accounts Hermes) stole him away to Olympus, where he suckled at Hera’s breast while she lay sleeping, granting him immortality (McLeish). When Hera awoke during the suckling she pushed Hercules away and the milk that spra yed out formed the Milky Way (Leeming). Zeus took the infant and placed him back in his crib before departing to Olympus again. Enraged Hera sent two massive serpents to kill Hercules and his brother as they lay sleepingShow MoreRelatedMythology And The Word Of Mythology2333 Words   |  10 PagesThe word ‘mythology’ is a word derived from ancient Greek word, ‘mythos’ meaning story of the people and ‘logos’ - the word for speech. These two words together mean ‘spoken story of a people’, thus creating the word and meaning of ‘mythology’ (Mark 2009, para. 1). Mythology as defined by Mark (2009), is the interpretation and study of tales and fables of a culture and religion (Mark 2009, para. 1). According to Kelsey, by retelling myths, people can experience their deeper meaning so that theyRead MoreGrrek Mythology Heroes2122 Words   |  9 PagesQ) In what ways are Perseus and Heracles typical heroes? 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