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26 Dec 2025
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Hercules and His Adventures: Classical Civilisation GCSE
scarlette
@scrlttblys
1 / 3
Hercules' Origins and the Start of His Labours
Hercules' birth was anything but ordinary - his father Zeus disguised himself as Alcmene's husband to sleep with her. This meant Alcmene had twins: one divine son (Hercules) and one mortal son. The jealous goddess Hera immediately began plotting against the half-divine baby.
Hera's first murder attempt involved sending venomous snakes to baby Hercules, but he strangled them with his bare hands! This impressed Athena, who became his protector. However, Hera's revenge was far from over - she cursed Hercules with madness, causing him to kill his wife Megara and their children.
Seeking redemption, Hercules consulted an oracle (which Hera had secretly influenced). He was sentenced to serve King Eurystheus for 12 years, completing whatever tasks the cowardly king demanded. Originally set at 10 labours, Eurystheus added two more when he claimed Hercules had cheated.
Remember: The Nemean Lion was Hercules' first labour - its skin was impenetrable, so he had to strangle it and use its own claws to skin it. This is why Hercules is always depicted wearing a lion's skin!
The Twelve Labours Continue
The Lernean Hydra nearly defeated Hercules because every time he cut off one head, two grew back! His cousin Iolaus helped by sealing each wound with fire, and Hercules dipped his arrows in the monster's poisonous blood for future battles.
Some labours required clever thinking rather than brute strength. For the Augean Stables (famously filthy cattle stables), Hercules diverted two rivers to wash away years of dung instantly. The terrified King Eurystheus often hid in a storage jar when Hercules returned!
The final labour, capturing Cerberus from the Underworld, required permission from Hades and Persephone. They agreed, but only if Hercules could capture the three-headed guard dog without weapons - so naturally, he strangled it.
Top Tip: The Golden Apples of the Hesperides involved tricking Atlas - Hercules held up the sky whilst Atlas fetched the apples, then cleverly got Atlas to take the world back again!
Hercules' Death and Legacy
After completing his labours, Hercules married Deianira but faced a final challenge from the centaur Nessus. When Nessus tried to assault Deianira, Hercules shot him with a poison arrow. Before dying, the vengeful centaur gave Deianira his blood-soaked shirt, claiming it was a love potion.
Years later, when Hercules was rumoured to be having an affair, Deianira sent him the shirt as a gift. The moment Hercules put it on, the poisoned blood burned his skin and the shirt fused to his body. In unbearable agony, he built a funeral pyre and burned himself alive.
Zeus rescued his son's soul from the flames and made him immortal, placing him among the stars. Even Hera finally accepted Hercules into the pantheon of gods. The hero's story became so important that it was carved into the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and multiple origin stories exist for the Olympic Games honouring him.
Did You Know? Hercules appears in Roman literature too - in Virgil's Aeneid, he's celebrated for defeating the monster Cacus and freeing the people of ancient Rome!
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Hercules and His Adventures: Classical Civilisation GCSE
scarlette
@scrlttblys
Hercules (or Herakles) is one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology, known for his incredible strength and his Twelve Labours. Born as the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, Hercules had to overcome the jealous rage of... Show more
Hercules' Origins and the Start of His Labours
Hercules' birth was anything but ordinary - his father Zeus disguised himself as Alcmene's husband to sleep with her. This meant Alcmene had twins: one divine son (Hercules) and one mortal son. The jealous goddess Hera immediately began plotting against the half-divine baby.
Hera's first murder attempt involved sending venomous snakes to baby Hercules, but he strangled them with his bare hands! This impressed Athena, who became his protector. However, Hera's revenge was far from over - she cursed Hercules with madness, causing him to kill his wife Megara and their children.
Seeking redemption, Hercules consulted an oracle (which Hera had secretly influenced). He was sentenced to serve King Eurystheus for 12 years, completing whatever tasks the cowardly king demanded. Originally set at 10 labours, Eurystheus added two more when he claimed Hercules had cheated.
Remember: The Nemean Lion was Hercules' first labour - its skin was impenetrable, so he had to strangle it and use its own claws to skin it. This is why Hercules is always depicted wearing a lion's skin!
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The Twelve Labours Continue
The Lernean Hydra nearly defeated Hercules because every time he cut off one head, two grew back! His cousin Iolaus helped by sealing each wound with fire, and Hercules dipped his arrows in the monster's poisonous blood for future battles.
Some labours required clever thinking rather than brute strength. For the Augean Stables (famously filthy cattle stables), Hercules diverted two rivers to wash away years of dung instantly. The terrified King Eurystheus often hid in a storage jar when Hercules returned!
The final labour, capturing Cerberus from the Underworld, required permission from Hades and Persephone. They agreed, but only if Hercules could capture the three-headed guard dog without weapons - so naturally, he strangled it.
Top Tip: The Golden Apples of the Hesperides involved tricking Atlas - Hercules held up the sky whilst Atlas fetched the apples, then cleverly got Atlas to take the world back again!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Hercules' Death and Legacy
After completing his labours, Hercules married Deianira but faced a final challenge from the centaur Nessus. When Nessus tried to assault Deianira, Hercules shot him with a poison arrow. Before dying, the vengeful centaur gave Deianira his blood-soaked shirt, claiming it was a love potion.
Years later, when Hercules was rumoured to be having an affair, Deianira sent him the shirt as a gift. The moment Hercules put it on, the poisoned blood burned his skin and the shirt fused to his body. In unbearable agony, he built a funeral pyre and burned himself alive.
Zeus rescued his son's soul from the flames and made him immortal, placing him among the stars. Even Hera finally accepted Hercules into the pantheon of gods. The hero's story became so important that it was carved into the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and multiple origin stories exist for the Olympic Games honouring him.
Did You Know? Hercules appears in Roman literature too - in Virgil's Aeneid, he's celebrated for defeating the monster Cacus and freeing the people of ancient Rome!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in Classical Civilisation
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user