Clash of the Titans

1) Who are the Titans?

The Titans are the rulers of the world who are defeated by the three Olympians; Hades, Poseidon and Zeus.

2) Are the any interesting motifs you see frequently appearing (Eg. Lightning bolts)? How do you interpret their meaning? Can you name a modern version, of this motif, used today?

The lightening bolt is seen frequently in the film, along with wings, meander pattern and the ocean/sky. The wings symbolize flight, freedom and allude to the idea of being within reach of the gods.
The meander is a repeated motif and represents infinity and unity, which is a theme throughout the film. This motif became most well known as it was used on a design for a paper coffee cup in New York. It was made to appeal to Greek owners of coffee shops, yet later became known as New York’s coffee-to-go cup.
The lightening bolt symbolizes the connection of man and the gods; the lightening bolt descends from the sky where the gods live and connects to the earth where man lives. It demonstrates strength and power, and in Australian culture it is associated with the Port Adelaide football team.

3) Is your Greek character in the movie? If so, does the film's interpretation match your research?

My Greek character is not in the film, however Perseus is Hercules brother and many of his characteristics and adventures are similar to Hercules. Perseus and Hercules both possess unnatural strength and the story of how they are both conceived is very similar.

4) Are any of the characters, in the movie, related (Eg. a mother or father, wife or husband, brother or sister) to your Greek myth? If so, how?

Perseus is Hercules brother, and Zeus is Hercules father. Apollo appears in the film briefly and he is also Hercules’ brother.

5) Is there a constellation of stars named after your Greek character?

Hercules is said to have been completing his tenth labour when he prayed to his father Zeus for help. This is how Hercules is seen in his constellation.

6) How is Medusa killed? Does your Greek character have a weakness?

Medusa is killed by Perseus, he cuts her head off after the Djin has self spontaneously combusted causing Medusa to be caught off guard. Perseus uses the reflection from his shield to avoid making eye contact with Medusa as this would cause him to turn to stone.

The Man and the Myth

History

The story of Hercules' conception and creation is one of scandal, trickery and divine intervention. Hercules was born of Zeus, supreme god and ruler of Olympus, and Alcmene, a mortal woman married to Amphiteryon. Zeus, disguised as Amphiteryon came to Alcmene one night, only to tell her stories of vengeance and take her to bed.

Hercules soon became known as a protector of the Greek world where men felt safe to live. He was strong, charismatic and full of courage. However, not everything was going to be smooth sailing for Hercules as the nature of his conception caused great anger in Hera, Zeus' wife.

Adventures

The 12 Labours of Hercules - As Hera was full of rage towards Hercules, she inflicted pain on his life and caused him to go mad. In his fit of madness he killed his family and once realising what he had done he sought punishment for his actions.

Hercules was to:
1. Bring back the hide of the Nemean Lion
2. Slay the Lernaean Hydra
3. Capture the last Ceryneian Hind
4. Capture the Erymanthian Boar
5. Clean the Augean stables in a single day
6. Rid Greece of the Stymphalian Birds
7. Capture the Cretan Bull
8. Steal the Mares of Diomedes
9. Get the Girdle of Hippolyta
10. Get the Cattle of Geryon
11. Steal the Golden Apples of the Hesperides
12. Capture Cerberus

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Relationships

Hercules is the son of Zeus and Aclmene, and brother of Iphicles. Zeus had many other heroic offspring including Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Persephone, Dionysus, Perseus, Helen, Minos and the Muses.

Appearance

Hercules can be identified by his attributes, the lion skin and the gnarled club - his favourite weapon. He is often portrayed as tall, muscular and tanned.

Symbols

Hercules' main attribute is unnatural physical strength and therefore he is associated with Greek pillars which represent this strength. Another symbol which represents this strength is the "Knot of Hercules" or "Love Knot" - the knot symbolises the fertility of Hercules and is well known to be a protective amulet in ancient Greece and Rome.

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Sports

Hercules could be associated with almost any type of sport as his strength is his most valuable asset, however I do see Hercules being associated with weight lifting or boxing. I think these would be good sports to have logos that represent or associate with Hercules as he is well known for his strength, endurance and muscular physique which is needed in these types of sports.

Sources

http://symboldictionary.net/?p=3030
http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Go-Hi/Hercules.html

The Demigod Hercules

Image source - https://wagner80.wikispaces.com/Period+9+Heracles

The greatest of all heroes in Greek mythology, Hercules was the strongest man on earth. Besides tremendous physical strength, he had great self-confidence and considered himself equal to the gods. Hercules (called Heracles by the Greeks) was not blessed with great intelligence, but his bravery made up for any lack of cunning. Easily angered, his sudden outbursts of rage often harmed innocent bystanders. When the fury passed, though, Hercules was full of sorrow and guilt for what he had done and ready to accept any punishment for his misdeeds. Only supernatural forces could defeat him, and it was magic that ended his mortal life. In Greek mythology, only two figures with half-mortal, half-immortal parentage—Hercules and Dionysus—became fully immortal and were worshiped as gods.

Information source - http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Go-Hi/Hercules.html