In Greek mythology, only two figures with half-mortal, half-immortal parentage -Hercules and Dionysus -became fully immortal and were worshiped as gods.īirth and Early Life.
Only supernatural forces could defeat him, and it was magic that ended his mortal life. When the fury passed, though, Hercules was full of sorrow and guilt for what he had done and ready to accept any punishment for his misdeeds. Easily angered, his sudden outbursts of rage often harmed innocent bystanders. Hercules (called Heracles by the Greeks) was not blessed with great intelligence, but his bravery made up for any lack of cunning. Besides tremendous physical strength, he had great self-confidence and considered himself equal to the gods. The greatest of all heroes in Greek mythology, Hercules was the strongest man on earth.
