Heracles (Hercules): The Twelve Labors Study Questions

Heracles (Hercules): The Twelve Labors Study Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there's not just one right answer.

  1. Can you name each of the Twelve Labors in order? If so, you are very, very cool. And you deserve to be worshiped like a god.
  2. Wait, we thought Heracles only had to complete ten labors. Why is everyone talking about the Twelve Labors? What happened?
  3. Why does Heracles have to complete the Twelve Labors?
  4. Do you think Heracles should have to atone for killing his children?
  5. Why does Hera hates Heracles so much?
  6. Pick a hero from a modern adventure movie. Super heroes, action stars, boy wizards – any will do. Compare and contrast the hero to Heracles. How are they alike? How are they different? Which one do you like better and why?
  7. Which story of Heracles is your favorite? Why do you like it so much?
  8. Was there ever a time when you think Heracles acted un-heroically? Why do you think so?
  9. Who is the biggest hero in your life? How does that person compare to Heracles?
  10. What are Heracles' most heroic traits?
  11. Do you think all of the monsters and men that Heracles killed deserved to die? Explain your answer.
  12. If a guy like Heracles was Greece's greatest hero, what do you think that says about their culture? What did they value in human beings? What did they strive to be like?