Herakles The Odyssey

The Ancient Greeks not only used mythology to build the foundations that illustrated their concept of life, but for entertainment as well. The legendary concept of the hero was a popular element in Greek plays, and no such hero was more renowned or famous than the mighty Herakles. Comparable to no one, Herakles' vast popularity in ancient Greece was captured by the literature created surrounding his legend. A role model, admired for making the world a safer place for people, Herakles' deeds demonstrate his courage, strength, and ambition.

Unlike most mythological heroes of Greece, Herakles was never associated with one particular area. The many adventures of Herakles, including his twelve labors, allowed for him to travel abroad, meeting
The theme of hospitality is present throughout the whole play, starting with Admetus being hospitable to Apollo while in exile. To return hospitality, Apollo allows for Admetus to outlive his predetermined life. According to the conditions of Apollo's hospitality, it is Admetus' wife Alcestis who displays hospitality to take her husband's thrown, and as fate would have it, die. When Herakles arrives at Admetus' home, on the guise of hospitality, Admetus doesn't reveal his wife's death. Herakles, not knowing the condition of Admetus' home, acts indulgently, and "…drank the unmixed wine of the dark grape-mother, until he was encompassed and heated with the fame of wine…and he caring nothing for Admetus's misery" (Euripides 755-760). Finally realizing the death of Alcestis, Euripides uses Herakles to display the significance of hospitality towards others by having Herakles bring Alcestis back from Death. The role of Herakles in this theme of the play, hospitality, not only demonstrates a form of apology from Herakles for his inappropriate behavior, but Euripides vision of Herakles as a hero. Having Herakles literally wrestle Death to free Alcestis, "…by an ambush, seize him, grasp him in my arms" (Euripides 847-849), exemplifies Euripides use of both Herakles the brute-strength, as well as Herakles the intellect and champion of good works for man. Combining both elements of hero, strength with intellect
Herakles role in the play leaves intrigue into what his motives actually where, whether genuine hero or male patriarch. Regardless of debate, the presence of Herakles in the Alcestis was purposely decided by Euripides, and as many playwrights of ancient Greece, he took what qualities of Herakles were known, and concentrated on his popular traits, brute strength, determination, and human compassion. Herakles was a popular hero, and as a mythological nomad, he represented the whole of Greece and his arrival in the Alcestis completely changed the tone of the play. Herakles was a mortal with divine strength. Both friend and foe of the gods Herakles remained a popular hero, and his role in the Euripides was exactly that, the exciting hero's role to create a happy