The Greeks are ambivalent about Heracles because he performed many heroic acts and good deeds, but he would also commit evil deeds without justification. The Greeks are unclear in how they should perceive him, whether to appreciate him as a role model or to fear him as an unstable and irrational being. The information from Theogony, The Homeric Hymns, The Iliad, and The Odyssey often questions Heracles’ greatness because there are heroic stories as well as disturbing stories of Heracles.

From birth, Heracles had to exhibit his courageousness and strength, while overcoming struggles and obstacles that would potentially hinder his success. He is expected to hold divine status among humans and gods. However, Hera who is not accepting of Zeus’ adultery, plots against the success of Heracles. She conspires Heracles to serve Eurystheus, almost acting entirely as a slave (Illiad 19.96-132). It is unusual to have a hero placed in an inferior position than other respected beings. Heracles receives his eventual hero role described in Hesiod’s Theogony. His acts of bravery and ability to overcome adversity while performing labours is rewarded. Heracles fearlessly battles monsters such as Nemean Lion, saving many men in the process (Th 328-31). Heracles also showed support for humanity when he freed Prometheus from Zeus’ punishment (Th 528-31). At the time Zeus did not think much of humanity, so Heracles’ backing was important. Although it does seem as if Eurystheus was the reason for many of the reckless acts Heracles conducted, it is said in the Homeric Hymn that Heracles also committed reckless acts on his own irrational judgement (HH 15).

Although Heracles distinguished his arête (virtue or excellence) by being a hero, many sinister acts tarnished his reputation. The ruthless murder of Iphitus described in The Odyssey reveals that Heracles did not always act in a noble manner (Odyssey 21.23-30). It is almost as if Heracles is suffering from a bipolar disorder. In Heracles¸ which was written by Euripides, Hera’s resilient torment of Heracles causes him to murder his children and his wife Megara. This event displays weakness and madness in Heracles’ unstable mental makeup. Heracles’ two-sidedness is consistent with his semi-divine character.

The Greeks ambivalent views towards Heracles are initiated by his ambiguous status of being both mortal and immortal, in addition to being worshipped both as a hero and a god. By reconciling humanity with Zeus, and saving them from disastrous creatures, Heracles’ acts of valour render favourably in the minds of humans. However, despite those heroic deeds, he also commits acts of defiance and violence. The contrast in Heracles’ character is shown by his great feats of heroism on one side, and his rash, violent decision making on the other. The Greeks question whether he is innocent or self-conceited, based on the negative and positive aspects of his actions, which ultimately results in his uncertain, cloudy status among Greeks.

Bibliography:

Homeric Hymns, Theogony, The Iliad