Essay on Greek Mythology and Hercules - 1574 Words

Capturing the Herculean Hero Ancient Greek and Roman mythology are polytheistic religions that emerged in Western Europe thousands of years ago. Both cultures believe in mostly the same gods and demigods, also known as half-gods, but have different names to designate them. Perhaps the most famous demigod known most notably for his superhuman strength is Hercules, the Roman name for the Greek demigod Heracles. The superman-like figure is even more popular in mythology than certain gods and goddesses. Over time, artists and sculptors have attempted to depict Hercules through different types of material and physical poses. Although each depiction has its own individuality in the material by which it was created and the stance the demigod†¦show more content†¦He also draws the viewer’s eye to Hercules in particular by using chiaroscuro (Sporre 60) and contrasting light and shade. The artist highlights the hero with light colors for a skin tone and engulfing him with dark and gloomy colors. One of the most intriguing features of this piece of work is the muscle definition in Hercules’s body and Zurbaran’s ability to capture the demigod in motion. Hercules is shown as an extremely toned tall, young man with a dark beard and thick hair. By the creases in his leg muscles, Hercules is sent in motion and it is evident that the hero is using all his might to pull the beast towards him in order to control him. Thousands of years ago, before artists’ work fell into the category and style of art that existed during their time period, art was portrayed mostly through carved slabs or marble or stone. Art has existed since years before the Common Era and date all the way back to prehistory. It has helped historians and scientists understand the lifestyles in which past civilizations had followed. In Ancient Rome and Greece, for example, many artists sculpted religious figures in accordance to their polytheistic, mythological beliefs. Almost every artist, if not all, of these sculptures remains unknown to this day but their work lives on to inspire others. One work in particular thatShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology : The Little Mermaid, And Of Course, Hercules1879 Words   |  8 Pagesmy mind that incarnates Greek mythology are: The Little Mermaid, and, of course, Hercules. Heracles has so many films dedicated to him, but this film is a special case, because it is made for kids. To start off, I did enjoy The Little Mermaid, mainly because I love Disney, but seeing in the eyes of someone who has study Greek Mythology, it didn’t disappoint too much. That is mainly because The Little Mermaid is not a movie that is mainly based off of some myth, like Hercules, but it did incorporateRead MoreHercules Hercules was a Greek Mythology hero. He was a mortal but with superhuman strength.1000 Words   |  4 PagesHercules Hercules was a Greek Mythology hero. He was a mortal but with superhuman strength. 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Edith Hamilton believed that Greek myths show how high the ancient Greeks rose above ancient filth and fierceness. However, she also believed that Greek mythology do not throw any clear light upon what early mankind wasRead MoreGreek Mythology : Greek And Roman Mythology885 Words   |  4 Pagesvalues of a culture. (Rosenberg) With Greek and Roman Mythology we learn or are introduced to the idea of how the universe is formed, we learn about love and of course we learn about tragedy. Greek and Roman mythology has a strong influence on our culture today. The Greek culture affects our everyday way of life. They created democracy, the alphabet, libraries, the Olympics, math, science, architecture, and even lighthouses. (Unknown) Greek and Rom an mythology go hand in hand with gods and heroesRead MoreHercules: A Greek Tale 1014 Words   |  5 PagesHercules, or known in Latin as Heracles, was the greatest of the Greek heroes, a paragon of masculinity. In art Hercules was portrayed as a powerful, muscular man wearing lions skin and armed with a huge club. He was also described as being a macho man buffoon, who was very impulsive. Hercules’ home and birthing place is in Thebes, Greece. Thebes is a city in central Greece. It plays as an important setting in many Greek myths, such as the stories of Cadmus, Oedipus, Dionysus and many other importantRead MoreHercules in Popular Culture1719 Words   |  7 PagesHercules For my research paper I chose to explore and analyze instances of the great Greek/Roman hero, Heracles (Hercules), appearing in popular culture and the effect his myths had on early civilizations. Considered by most to be the greatest of the Greek folk heroes, Hercules was the embodiment of masculinity and physical power. The word â€Å"herculean† literally translates into â€Å"having enormous strength, courage, or size† (dictionary.com.) Since their inception, the myths and legends of HerculesRead MoreGreek Mytholoical Monsters1029 Words   |  5 PagesSpiderman has a different foe he fights against. In Greek mythology, this process works the same way. The gods and goddesses of Greek mythology had many foes, usually being monsters. The monsters in Greek mythology were known to destroy people, damage different cities, or cause all kinds of havoc. The Gorgons, Lamia, and Hydra, are few of many monsters that were menaces to society. The Gorgons were possibly the most well-known of the Greek monsters. Originally Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa,