Heracles

Greece's Strongest Hero

Heracles was the strongest hero in Greek mythology. He was a son of Zeus and became famous for completing twelve almost impossible labours. He fought monsters, captured dangerous animals and even travelled to the Underworld. Heracles was incredibly brave, but he also had a terrible temper and his life was full of mistakes and sadness. The Romans called him Hercules, which is the name many people know today. I like Heracles because he is not a perfect superhero. His greatest adventures are often about fixing problems, surviving difficult challenges and learning that being strong does not make every problem easy.

Perseus

Slayer of Medusa

Perseus was a Greek hero best known for defeating Medusa, the Gorgon whose gaze could turn people to stone. He was the son of Zeus and Danae and grew up far from his grandfather, King Acrisius. When Perseus was sent on an impossible mission, the gods gave him magical equipment to help. He used a reflective shield to avoid looking directly at Medusa and escaped with her head. On his journey home he also rescued Andromeda from a sea monster. Perseus is one of my favourite heroes because he wins by being brave and clever, not simply by being the strongest person around.

Theseus

Slayer of the Minotaur

Theseus was a famous Greek hero and the legendary prince of Athens. His best-known adventure took him into the Labyrinth on Crete, where he fought the Minotaur. Ariadne gave him a thread so he could find his way back out after the battle. Before reaching Athens, Theseus also defeated dangerous criminals along the road and proved that he could survive without taking the easy route. His stories are exciting, but they are not always happy. Theseus makes serious mistakes too. I think that makes him interesting because becoming a hero does not automatically mean making the right choice every time.

Odysseus

The Cunning Adventurer

Odysseus was the clever king of Ithaca and one of the most famous heroes of the Trojan War. He is especially known for the Odyssey, which tells how his journey home takes ten difficult years. Along the way he meets the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch Circe, dangerous Sirens and many other strange creatures. Odysseus often survives because he thinks of a plan when fighting would not work. He can also be proud, secretive and stubborn, which causes extra trouble. I like Odysseus because his greatest power is his brain. His adventures show that clever ideas can be just as important as strength.

Achilles

The Greatest Warrior

Achilles was the greatest Greek warrior in the Trojan War. He was the son of the mortal Peleus and the sea goddess Thetis, and he was famous for his speed, strength and skill in battle. The Iliad focuses on Achilles after he becomes furious with the Greek leader Agamemnon and refuses to fight. He eventually returns after his close friend Patroclus is killed by Hector. Achilles defeats Hector, but his own story also ends in death. Later traditions say his heel was his only vulnerable spot. Achilles is fascinating because he can be heroic, loyal and terrifyingly angry all at once.

Icarus

The Boy Who Flew Too High

Icarus was the son of Daedalus, a brilliant Greek inventor. When they became trapped on Crete, Daedalus made two pairs of wings from feathers, thread and wax. He warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sea or too near the sun. Once they were in the air, however, Icarus became so excited that he flew higher and higher. The sun softened the wax, the feathers came loose and he fell into the sea. His story is a famous warning about ignoring good advice, but I can understand why flying made him forget everything else!