Hercules was born very strong, and very large. His father was Zeus, the great god of the sky: His mother, a mere mortal. Zeus’ wife, Hera, became extremely jealous, and in due time she fought for revenge. Hercules was raised as a prince, with tutors to teach him the ways of knowledge. Rhadamanthus, the great philosopher, to teach him wisdom. Linus to teach him music. And the great centaur, Chiron, to teach him sports. There was nothing he liked more than classes with Chiron. The centaur, his mentor, made him promise never to drink wine. Though at the time it made little sense to Hercules, he agreed.
Years passed, and Hercules married his half-sister, Megara, and had many children. His stepfather raised a toast to their kingdom, Thebes, and grew agitated when Hercules did not drink. After being pestered for some time, he agreed and downed his cup. He reached for all the cups on the table and drank them all. In his drunken rage, he killed not only his children, but also his wife and mother, leaving his father on the verge of a breakdown. When his drunken state passed, he realized the destruction he'd caused. He understood his wrong doings, and begged the gods to punish him fittingly.
Zeus was in despair. He did not want to kill his son, but he knew that Hercules had to be punished. Hera was pleased to be able to give Hercules the revenge he deserved. She suggested that he be made a slave to his cousin, King Eurytheus. Zeus consented. Hercules visited King Eurytheus, who gave Hercules the hardest tasks: Killing the Hydra, the Nemean Lion, the Bladebills, and countless others. Eventually, after Hercules had done everything requested of him, King Eurytheus’ spoiled oldest daughter invented many jobs for him. Hera watched all that Hercules did from Mt. Olympus, and was pleased with her scheming, glad to get the savory revenge she disserved.
Years passed, and Hercules married his half-sister, Megara, and had many children. His stepfather raised a toast to their kingdom, Thebes, and grew agitated when Hercules did not drink. After being pestered for some time, he agreed and downed his cup. He reached for all the cups on the table and drank them all. In his drunken rage, he killed not only his children, but also his wife and mother, leaving his father on the verge of a breakdown. When his drunken state passed, he realized the destruction he'd caused. He understood his wrong doings, and begged the gods to punish him fittingly.
Zeus was in despair. He did not want to kill his son, but he knew that Hercules had to be punished. Hera was pleased to be able to give Hercules the revenge he deserved. She suggested that he be made a slave to his cousin, King Eurytheus. Zeus consented. Hercules visited King Eurytheus, who gave Hercules the hardest tasks: Killing the Hydra, the Nemean Lion, the Bladebills, and countless others. Eventually, after Hercules had done everything requested of him, King Eurytheus’ spoiled oldest daughter invented many jobs for him. Hera watched all that Hercules did from Mt. Olympus, and was pleased with her scheming, glad to get the savory revenge she disserved.
1 comment:
Kaitlyn very complete summary, and you show great understanding. Please re read and edit accordingly. You made several spelling and word usage maistakes. I think you will recognize them when you do this! I will look at it again this weekend.
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