Read this excerpt from “The Myth of Hercules.”
The goddess Hera did not forget about Hercules. She nursed her grudge for many years, waiting for an opportunity to make Hercules miserable. Hera watched as Hercules grew into a strong warrior. Hera cast a terrible spell on Hercules. She made Hercules lazy and tired. Instead of leading other warriors into battle and defending his home, Hercules spent his days sleeping. Without his leadership, his town fell to the enemy. When the spell was broken, Hercules was horrified by what had happened while he slept so comfortably.
Hercules was haunted by what he had done. What could he do to make up for the shame of not defending his town and his neighbors? He prayed to the gods and sought their advice. The god Apollo said that as punishment, Hercules must perform twelve labors, or tasks. These labors would be assigned to him by the evil King Eurystheus, whom Hercules must serve for twelve years. If Hercules completed all twelve labors, his shame would be erased from his soul, and the gods would make him immortal.
How does the excerpt reflect the idea of heroism in Greek mythology?
The excerpt shows how the heroes in Greek mythology are allowed to be lazy.
The excerpt shows how the heroes in Greek mythology are expected to fight in battle.
The excerpt shows how the heroes in Greek mythology are supposed to be perfect.
The excerpt shows how the heroes in Greek mythology are always liked by the gods and goddesses. .