Hercules "Through works and NOT grace alone".
The name of Hercules instantly summons the images of raw strength and rugged masculinity. Hercules was born of a union between the mortal woman Alcmena and a God; Zeus the king of the Gods. Hercules is first and foremost a man. He is burdened with the flaws and temptations of any mortal man; but, gifted with the strength and near invincibility of a God. The latter part might sound ideal; however, the implications for Hercules’s actions are far reaching and often times tragic. His strength serves as much a curse as a blessing. Hercules treads on a slippery slope as more than a mortal man but less than a God. Much of Hercules’s story is a constant struggle with self control and accepting the responsibly for his otherworldly strength. The examination of Hercules’s life is a worthwhile study for any man, pagan or otherwise. Hercules seems to have all that a man could want. He is incredibly powerful, popular with the ladies and leads a heroic life filled with endless adventure; however, I...