What makes a Greek hero?
The question of what makes a Greek hero is to present ideas of what the ancient civilisation thought would fit the narrative of a ‘hero’. The poster compares two famous Greek heroes such as Heracles and Theseus. Both heroes share many similarities, but the reason as to why these in particular were chosen is present the notion of divinity. The idea surrounding that mortal beings can be worshipped as gods. Heracles was divine from birth honouring his status in society as a demi-god, someone with immortal strength and ability which would allow for his mass following to commence as he was considered a god before an action. Theseus had no divine heritage but rather had to overcome this by saving the city of Athens. By slaying the Minotaur and seeing no more young Athenian blood being spilled, his wisdom and bravery brought his legendary heroism into an annual worshipping cult.
The first image used to compare Heracles to Theseus is a sculpture work of Heracles battling Cerberus the demonic three headed dog which guards the underworld. Shows Heracles on his twelve and final labour. The second image of Theseus also shows a sculpture work of himself. The sculpture work of both heroes emphasises the ideal body type for young men. The physic and body proportions show the heroic and idolised body image for strength and bravery. The second pair of images in comparison to each other present both heroes carrying out their duties, as Heracles is wrestling the Nemean lion with his bare hands the vase painting images presents his god like strength and courage. Whereas Theseus is presented in the sculpture as killing the Minotaur with a weapon displaying the clear difference in strength however both strive to carry out heroic deeds.
The last two images used in the poster is to present both heroes' encounters with the Amazons. The Amazons were warriors and soldier-like women created by Zeus. These warrior women were seen as eminently powerful in mythology however saw their powers overcome or suppressed by a man. Heracles’ ninth labour was to retrieve the belt of Hippolyte, the queen of Amazons. The image presents the battle which commences between Heracles and the Amazons, the image depicts Heracles wearing the lion skin which is a symbolic signifier of Heracles in vase paintings. The battle between the forces shows the success of Heracles powers. Theseus’ encounter with the Amazon queen is portrayed differently in myth as the queen believed to have fallen in love with Theseus, outraged at her actions the other saw the attack of Athens. The image presented depicts the war of Attic and Theseus overcoming the Amazons powers much like Heracles. Both heroes are worshipped as gods and given cults for their mighty actions. A Greek hero is made up by the bravery and extraordinary powers of intelligence and strength an individual exceeds.
