Theme of Strength and Skill in Heracles (Hercules): Later Adventures and Death

Theme of Strength and Skill in Heracles (Hercules): Later Adventures and Death

If there's one theme that keeps popping up throughout Heracles' life, it's "Strength and Skill." In pretty much every story, he performs some kind of superhuman act that shows off just how awesome he truly is. Even after he completed his super-famous Twelve Labors, Heracles kept on wowing the ancient world with one amazing feat after another. From sea monster to dragons, Heracles defeats them all.

Questions About Strength and Skill

  1. Imagine some superhero battles, like Heracles vs. Superman. Who do you think would win? Why?
  2. Which story of Heracles shows him at his most skillful? Why do you think so?
  3. Aside from being strong, what other skills does Heracles possess?
  4. We spend a lot of time talking about how strong Heracles is, but in what ways might he be weak?
  5. Does Heracles use his strength for good purposes?