Heracles

Heracles introduces young audiences to the fascinating world of Greek mythology. Young audiences will learn the myths of Orion, the Cyclops, the Centaurs and the Hydra.

Heracles, the Greek mythological hero, has recently been killed in a desperate battle with the centaur. His nephew, Iolaus, comes in quest of Heracles' bones to bring back to his soldiers as inspiration to continue their battle to forge an Athenian kingdom. He meets the fates, Clotho, Laechesis and Atropos, who are weaving their tapestry. They invite Iolaus to view a re-enactment of Heracles' adventures so he may better understand the logic of his famous uncle's event-filled life. The Fates take us through the meeting of Heracles and his future wife Megara, whom he saved from a marauding lion. Their marriage has a tragic ending, however; Heracles, in a fit of madness caused by a disturbing dream, kills Megara and their new born son.

Soon after, he is visited by an Oracle who instructs him, as penance, to cleanse the earth of all creatures that bring misery to men. Heracles' first battle is with the Hydra which he kills handily. Next, he rescues the king's daughter Deianiera from Achelous the Bull Man. As he continues on his quest, however, he is duped by the centaur and, ironically, is killed by the poison of his own arrow. When the Fates have finished relating his life story, Heracles' cremated remains have cooled enough to sift through to find the bones. To his dismay, Iolaus finds no bones and is instructed by the fates to use the inspiration of his uncle's story to lead the men to Athens and to create a great kingdom in his honour.

Recommended Audience: For Children

Themes

• Myths/Legends