Question

In Greek mythology, Hercules, as penance for having murdered (some of) his own children, is told by the oracle he must serve King Eurystheus. Eurystheus gives Hercules a series of punishingly challenging tasks to perform—10 originally, then two more when Eurystheus discounted two of the tasks on technicalities. Even after the tasks are complete, Eurystheus is bitter and tries to kill Hercules’s remaining children. What archetype does Eurystheus MOST fit in this story?

shadow


shapeshifter


threshold guardian


mentor

Answer 1

In Greek mythology, King Eurystheus can be described as the threshold guardian archetype in the story of Hercules.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Greek mythology, King Eurystheus can be described as the threshold guardian archetype in the story of Hercules.

As a threshold guardian, Eurystheus serves as an obstacle or a challenge that Hercules must overcome in his journey. He assigns Hercules punishing tasks as a form of penance for his crimes.

However, it is important to note that Eurystheus does not play the role of a mentor, shapeshifter, or shadow archetype in the story.