Heracles and Maui are two figures found in two of the world's oldest mythological traditions, Greek and Polynesian, respectively. Heracles is the iconic hero of Greek mythology, best known as the hero of the Twelve Labors. His strength, courage, and loyalty made him a favorite among the gods, and his heroic feats gave him a place among the pantheon of great Greek heroes. Maui, on the other hand, is a central figure in Polynesian mythology, credited with many feats that display his extraordinary strength and abilities. He is said to have stolen fire from the gods for the benefit of humans, pulled the Hawaiian Islands from the sea, and tricked his eternal adversary, the giant fish, into submission. Despite the similarities between the two figures, their differences are quite distinct. Heracles is rooted in a tradition of heroism, often portraying him as a kind of superhuman figure, while Maui is seen more as an archetypal trickster, using his intelligence rather than strength to solve difficult problems. The background and myths surrounding each figure differ significantly, reflecting their respective cultures, histories, and world views.