Herakles Role In The Alcestis

The Ancient Greeks not only used mythology to build the foundations that illustrated their concept of life, but for entertainment as well. The legendary concept of the hero was a popular element in Greek plays, and no such hero was more renowned or famous than the mighty Herakles. Comparable to no one, Herakles' vast popularity in ancient Greece was captured by the literature created surrounding his legend. A role model, admired for making the world a safer place for people, Herakles' deeds demonstrate his courage, strength, and ambition.

Unlike most mythological heroes of Greece, Herakles was never associated with one particular area. The many adventures of Herakles, including his twelve labors, allowed for him to travel abroad, meeting various peoples, performing many deeds, and, resultantly, increase his popularity. Herakles, however, had tendencies of bad behavior, and was sometimes remembered as being dull-witted, or ill-tempered. In plays such as Euripides, Alcestis, Euripides demonstrates how the Greeks found other ways in which to elevate the hero status of intellect and diplomacy to overcome opposition, without relying solely on brute strength. The role of Herakles in the Alcestis concentrates on his positive heroic qualities, and allow for his presence to influence the play in more ways than one.

In Greek culture, hospitality was considered a great virtue. The theme of hospitality is present throughout the whole play, starting with Admetus being hospitable to Apollo while in exile. To return hospitality, Apollo allows for Admetus to outlive his predetermined life. According to the conditions of Apollo's hospitality, it is Admetus' wife Alcestis who displays hospitality to take her husband's thrown, and as fate would have it, die. When Herakles arrives at Admetus' home, on the guise of hospitality, Admetus doesn't reveal his wife's death. Herakles, not knowing the condition of Admetus' home, acts indulgently, and "Ð'...drank the unmixed wine of the dark grape-mother, until he was encompassed and heated with the fame of wineÐ'...and he caring nothing for Admetus's misery" (Euripides 755-760). Finally realizing the death of Alcestis, Euripides uses Herakles to display the significance of hospitality towards others by having Herakles bring Alcestis back from Death. The role of Herakles in this theme of the play, hospitality, not only demonstrates a form of apology from Herakles for his inappropriate behavior, but Euripides vision of Herakles as a hero. Having Herakles literally wrestle Death to free Alcestis, "Ð'...by an ambush, seize him, grasp him in my arms" (Euripides 847-849), exemplifies Euripides use of both Herakles the brute-strength, as well as Herakles the intellect and champion of good works for man. Combining both elements of hero, strength with intellect and compassion, Euripides retains the mythological hero Herakles without altering his status.

In Greek mythology, the relationships between gods were very temperamental, sensitive, and easily broken. Apollo's relationship with Zeus was broken by the death of his son, Asclepius who he killed by, "Ð'...hurling the lightning into his breast" (Euripides 1-3). Apollo takes revenge on Zeus and is forced into exile. When Herakles resurrects Alcestis from Death, his actions parallel Asclepius' actions and ultimately, the anger between Apollo and Zeus. The presence of Herakles in the Alcestis joins him in this divine battle between Zeus and Apollo. Herakles uses his power to overcome death, a shadowy realm, not at all pleasant even for heroes, to be hospitable to his friend, and bring Alcestis back. Herakles is mortal, but it is Alcestis who is the last mortal to cross the boundaries of life and death.

When Herakles resurrects Alcestis from death, his

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