Hercules became immortal because he completed twelve labors for the gods of Olympus, which earned him their favor and elevated him to the status of a demigod.
To earn the forgiveness of the gods after committing a terrible act under the influence of madness sent by Hera, Hercules must face twelve nearly impossible challenges, a true test of courage and endurance set by King Eurystheus. He notably takes on the terrifying Nemean lion, impervious to human weapons, which he ultimately strangles with his bare hands. He also confronts the Lernaean Hydra, a monstrous creature whose heads regrow as soon as they are cut off. Each trial pits him against mythical creatures or overwhelming tasks that test his physical strength, intelligence, and bravery in the face of danger. By completing these legendary challenges, Hercules demonstrates to the gods and to men his exceptional heroic worth, thus paving the way for his immortal destiny.
Since his birth, Hercules has had a destiny watched over by the gods, particularly by Zeus, his divine father, and Hera, his sworn enemy. On one hand, Zeus supports him and occasionally helps him overcome challenges, while on the other hand, Hera constantly seeks to undermine him. The gods regularly interfere in his life, either to complicate his mythical labors or to lend him a hand when the situation becomes critical. These divine interactions shape his existence and continually push him to surpass himself. With the support of certain gods, such as Athena or Hermes, and despite all the obstacles thrown at him, Hercules proves that he is worthy of an extraordinary destiny.
After accomplishing so many feats, Hercules meets a tragic yet heroic end. Trapped by a tunic soaked in the poisoned blood of the centaur Nessus, he experiences unbearable pain. Unable to escape this torment, he voluntarily chooses to offer himself to the purifying fire, on a great pyre that he builds himself. This courageous act symbolizes his ultimate sacrifice, cleansing his mortal body and paving the way for his redemption. By being consumed by the flames, Hercules relinquishes his past sins and his mortality, thus earning the right to immortality.
After all his adventures and his heroic sacrifice on the pyre, Hercules is welcomed among the gods on Olympus. Essentially, he receives a direct ticket to immortality thanks to the recognition of the gods, impressed by his courage and exceptional tenacity. It is Zeus himself, his father, who officially grants him this status, making him a god among the other Olympian deities. To top it all off, Hercules marries Hebe, the goddess of youth, the perfect symbol of his new eternal beginning. It is the ultimate conclusion: after so many hardships and spectacular exploits, Hercules finally receives the supreme reward, eternal life by the side of the gods.
In Greek mythology, immortality could manifest in several forms. Hercules was admitted among the gods after his death: his divine essence ascended to the heavens, while his mortal part was consumed by fire on a sacrificial pyre.
Hercules had a twin brother named Iphicles, who, unlike Hercules, was entirely mortal. This means that even in classical Greek mythology, a divine birth did not guarantee the divinity or immortality of a hero's relatives.
According to certain myths, Hercules was initiated into the mysteries of Eleusis, ancient and very secret rites that promised a blissful life after death. This initiation may have symbolically prepared him for his ascent to immortality.
Originally, the twelve labors of Hercules were meant to be only ten tasks. However, Eurystheus refused to count two of them because Hercules received outside help or a reward, thereby forcing the hero to complete two additional labors.
The gods have been essential in the fate of Hercules: Zeus, his father, constantly watched over his heroic journey, while the other deities welcomed him to Olympus in recognition of his extraordinary deeds and ultimate sacrifice.
Immortality is the state of living eternally without fearing death, while divinity represents a higher status involving power, sovereignty, and specific privileges. Hercules attains both immortality and divine status when he joins Olympus.
The purification by fire symbolizes the complete abandonment of Hercules' mortal and earthly side. This act of sacrifice and redemption was crucial for liberating his immortal soul, allowing the gods to welcome him among them on Olympus.
The twelve labors symbolize the heroic triumph over adversity and seemingly impossible challenges. They serve as trials for Hercules to demonstrate his strength, courage, and wisdom to the gods, thus justifying his ascent to immortality.
Yes, other Greek heroes have gained immortality, such as the case of Pollux (brother of Castor), who chose to share his immortality with his brother. However, Hercules remains the most famous example of a mortal who became a deity through his heroic deeds and the recognition of the gods.
No, Hercules was not considered a god from birth. Although he was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and a mortal woman named Alcmene, Hercules had to earn his divine status through his feats and trials on earth, culminating in his acceptance into Olympus after his heroic death.
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