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