Fact or Fiction?

Sources have stated the following…

Alcmena abandoned Heracles after his birth, as she feared what Hera might do to her (Flaum 1993: 80).

Apcides was Heracles original name, but it was changed to Heracles (meaning Hera’s Glory) when Hera suckled him as a baby. It is said that this could have been the cause of his immortality (Flaum 1993: 80; Grimal 1986: 193).

Returning from hunting Heracles met King Erginus’s men who were on there way to Thebes to collect payment, Heracles mutilated them cutting off their ears and noses and hung them around his neck (Grimal 1986: 195).

After slaying his children Heracles no longer wished to live with Megara, he gave her to his nephew, Iolaus, who was sixteen (Grimal 1986: 195).

In the Underworld hearing of Deianeira’s sister, Meleager’s death, Heracles wept and promised to marry Deianeira when he regained his freedom (Grimal 1986: 201).

Heracles sexuality has been questioned, sources stating he was a homosexual and became Eurystheus’ lover and only performed the twelve labours for gratification (Flaum 1993: 81).

Originally Heracles was to only perform ten labours for Eurystheus, though as he had assistance during the cleaning of the stables and the killing of the Hydra, Eurysthseus said that they did not count and asked Heracles to perform two more tasks (Flaum 1993: 81).

When visiting King Thespius Heracles made love to each of his 50 daughters in one night and each of these women gave birth to a son (Grimal 1986: 535).

Heracles competed in wrestling at an Olympiad in which he had a epic battle with someone who appeared to be mortal, the battle ended a draw and the mortal was found to be Zeus in disguise (Flaum 1993: 83).

Heracles raped the daughter of King Aleus, Auge, and she bore a son from this violation (Flaum 1003: 83).

It is said that Heracles fathered at least seventy-two children (Grimal 1986: 535).

When Heracles was dying his son Hyllus carried him to the top of Mount Oeata and Philoctetes, his friend, set the pyre alight (Flaum 1993: 84).