![]() However, in a fit of madness induced by Hera, Heracles killed Megara and their children. Heracles married King Creon of Thebes' eldest daughter, Megara. Astonished, Amphitryon sent for the seer Tiresias, who prophesied an unusual future for the boy, saying he would vanquish numerous monsters. He was found by his nurse playing with them on his cot as if they were toys. Iphicles cried from fear, but his twin brother grabbed a snake in each hand and strangled them. He and his mortal twin, Iphicles, were just eight months old when Hera sent two giant snakes into the children's chamber. The child was originally given the name Alcides by his parents it was only later that he became known as Heracles in an unsuccessful attempt to mollify Hera, with Heracles meaning Hera's "pride" or "glory". ![]() Either Zeus or Athena brought the infant back to his mother, and he was subsequently raised by his parents. ![]() But with divine milk, Heracles had acquired supernatural strength. Heracles suckled so strongly that he caused Hera pain, she pushed him away, and her milk sprayed across the heavens, forming the Milky Way. Alcmene's fear towards his wife Hera led her to expose her infant son, who was taken by either Zeus or his daughter Athena (the protectress of heroes) to Hera, who did not recognize Heracles and nursed him out of pity. Heracles was the son of the affair Zeus, the king of the gods, had with the mortal woman Alcmene disguised as her husband Amphitryon. The Origin of the Milky Way by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1575
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |