Herakles – Protector of Civilization

Roman name : Hercules (Husband of Juventas *from which Juventus football club is named*)

Statue of Herakles battling Cerberus for his 12th labor in Vienna central square

Herakles, also known as Hercules in Roman mythology, is one of the most famous and popular heroes in Greek mythology. He is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alkmene, a mortal woman. He is the half-brother of Perseus, the slayer of Medusa, and the ancestor of many kings and heroes. He is the epitome of bravery, masculinity, and superhuman strength.

Herakles has many adventures and challenges in Greek mythology. He is the victim of Hera’s jealousy and wrath, who tries to kill him since his birth. She sends two serpents to his cradle, but he strangles them with his bare hands. She also drives him mad, making him kill his wife Megara and their children. To atone for his crime, he agrees to serve King Eurystheus for twelve years and perform twelve impossible tasks, known as the Labors of Herakles. These include killing the Nemean lion, the Lernaean hydra, and the Stymphalian birds; capturing the Cretan bull, the Erymanthian boar, and the Ceryneian hind; cleaning the Augean stables; stealing the girdle of Hippolyta, the apples of Hesperides, and the cattle of Geryon; and bringing back Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades.

Herakles also participates in many other quests and battles in Greek mythology. He helps Jason and the Argonauts in their search for the Golden Fleece. He fights against the Amazons, the giants, and the centaurs. He frees Prometheus from his eternal punishment. He rescues Hesione from a sea monster. He marries Deianira and has a son named Hyllus.

Herakles was worshipped as a god and a hero throughout Greece and beyond. He had many temples and shrines dedicated to him, where people would offer sacrifices or vows in exchange for his protection or favor. He was also honored in many festivals and games, such as the Heracleia or the Olympic Games. He was usually portrayed as a muscular man with a lion skin and a club. He was often accompanied by his symbols or attributes, such as a bow and arrows, an olive wreath, or a cornucopia.

Herakles is a fascinating and inspiring hero who represents many aspects of human nature and culture. He is a symbol of strength and courage that can overcome any obstacle or enemy. He is a master of skills and weapons that can achieve any goal or task. He is a husband and a father who suffers from tragedy or betrayal. He is a hero who guides us to seek and fulfill our destiny.

BBC documentary about the city of Herculaneum, next to Pompei

Herakles recommends:

The Teams of Herakles

If Herakles supported modern sports teams, they would be:
Napoli

Next to Herculaneum

The ancient city of Herculaneum was a city dedicated to Herakles, and he would clearly support Napoli, which is right next to Herculaneum.

Sevilla FC

City founded by Herakles

Legends say that the Spanish city of Sevilla was founded by Herakles himself, so surely Herakles would be a huge fan of Sevilla FC, the “Kings of Europa League”. Although they have not achieved major success in Spain, Sevilla FC are the most successful team ever in Europa League, having won 6 times.

Heracles Almelo

Do I need to explain?

A smaller team in the Netherlands, Heracles Almelo has not achieved the glory of Ajax, but is a regular presence in the Eredivisie and even won 2 championships in their history.

Juventus

Wife of Herakles

When Herakles died and became a god, he married Juventas (Greek Hebe), the daughter of Zeus. Clearly he would be a supporter of the team named after his wife, the most successful team in Italy.