Also called Herakles, Alexikakos, Hercules (Roman).
Their story
Heracles, son of Zeus and Alcmene, was hounded by Hera all his life and performed the twelve labours for Eurystheus. After his death on the pyre on Mount Oeta, he was taken to Olympus and married Hebe. Herodotus notes that Greeks honoured him in two ways: with offerings to a god, and with offerings to a hero. He was widely called on as averter of evil.
Best times to give to them
- The fourth day of the lunar month, sacred to him in Athens
- The Herakleia
- Before a hard physical task
What they like being given
- Bread and a shared meal
- Poplar or olive leaves
- A glass of wine, or grape juice
- Physical effort dedicated to him
How to honour them
- Dedicate a workout or long walk to him.
- Write his old protective phrase above the door: Heracles lives here, let no evil enter.
- Take on a hard task for someone who cannot manage it.
How they can help you
- Strength and stamina
- Protection of the home
- Seeing hard tasks through
Symbols
- club
- lion skin
- bow
- poplar
The door inscription is found in ancient graffiti and was mocked by Diogenes, according to Diogenes Laertius.
Sources
- Hesiod, Theogony 950-955
- Homer, Odyssey 11.601-604
- Herodotus, Histories 2.44
- Apollodorus, Library 2.4.8-2.7.7
More Greek gods
- Zeus King of the gods and keeper of oaths
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
- Hermes Swift messenger and guide of travellers
- Hades Lord of the underworld and giver of wealth
- Dionysus Twice-born god of wine, theatre and ecstasy
- Poseidon Earth-shaker and lord of the sea
- Helios The all-seeing sun who crosses the sky
- Pan Goat-footed god of shepherds and wild places