Also, through the myths associated with Hercules, the world-wide view is one of recognition based on certain emotional actions and reactions. Although the tales of Hercules were written in the very distant past, perhaps as long as 2000 B.C.E, his feats and accomplishments are still relevant in today's world, mostly due to the decisions that Hercules was forced to make, decisions that are still made by a vast number of people all over the world. In essence , the application of myth in the tales of Hercules are "uniquely their own yet they are also universal and timeless, a reflection on how the ancient Greeks thought and behaved which, not surprisingly, gave rise to modern civilization in the form of art, literature and government" (Morfor

which a person throws away all care and concern for others to live as he pleases. The other woman promised him a life of hard work but filled with exceptional glory.

Even in ancient Rome, the eternal city on the Tiber which was allegedly founded by twins Romulus and Remus, the legend and myth of Hercules was rampant. Many Roman poets saw him as a compliment to the artistic Muses and categorized many natural things as being sacred to Hercules. In fact, some of these poets wrote very long poetical sonnets in honor of Hercules which were read by the ordinary people of the city and by those in higher social positions. Thus, as another archetype, the heroic exploits of Hercules were symbolic of all people from all walks of life and often influenced them to strive for better things and to do good deeds for people and for society as a whole. In today's world, this symbolism can be found everywhere which is one reason why the Roman poets and those in Greece chose the myth of Hercules as representative of man and his various cultures.

For Euripides, one of the greatest Greek dramatists that ever lived, this fable is an archetype on how a person can, at one moment, be cordial and giving and then at another moment turn into the exact opposite. For the contemporary reader, this fable demonstrates that human beings are very unpredictable and are often cursed by their own deficiencies, both mental and physical.

In the minds of other Greek authors who chose the myth and legend of Hercules as an example to the world that man, like Hercules, is full of contradiction and weaknesses, Hercules was the great conqueror who following his toils, enjoyed the company of friends and family with wine, food and music. Of course, the legend of Hercules was amended by other writers in ancient Greece in order to demonstrate his otherworldly physical attributes. Some wrote that he had a huge appetite "and could devour a whole ox by himself" and that he could often be "a very lusty companion to his male friends while playing music on a lyre" (Boardman, 165).

It would be appropriate to mention only briefly some of the tasks that Hercules was given to accomplish, mainly because they illustrate the many-faceted mind and personality of this great Greek hero. The first task was to kill the lion of Nemea and take the animals hide which "being impenetrable through which nothing can pass" inspires Hercules to make clothes from it in order to protect himself from his enemies.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2248
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)