Hercules etymology

Etymology

The name Hercules derives from the Latin name Hercules and the Greek name Hēraklēs.

Meaning

  • Hērā + kleos (glory of Hera): The glory (kleos) of Hera (Hērā)
  • Hēra + akalēs (Hera's might): The might (akalēs) of Hera (Hērā)

The conflicting etymologies suggest that Hercules' myth may have undergone changes and interpretations over time.

Origin

  • Greek:

    Hercules (Hēraklēs) was a legendary demigod in Greek mythology, the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmena, a mortal woman.

    Hercules was renowned for his twelve legendary labors, which he performed as punishment for accidentally murdering his wife and children.

  • Roman:

    The Romans adopted the myth of Hercules into their own pantheon, where he became known as Hercules. Hercules was identified with the Etruscan god Hercle.

    Hercules was worshipped as a god of strength and courage, and he was often depicted as a muscular, bearded man carrying a club.

Hercules relate terms

  • Hera

    Etymology From the Proto Indo European root gher meaning to seize or to grasp

  • hero

    Etymology The word hero originates from the Greek word ἥρως herōs which refe

  • Heracles

    Etymology Greek Ἡρακλῆς Hēraklēs Meaning Glory of Hera Origin

  • Hercules

    Etymology The name Hercules derives from the Latin name Hercules and the Greek name Hēra

  • pillar

    Etymology The word pillar comes from the Late Latin word pilare meaning to support

  • Hades

    Etymology The name Hades derives from the Greek word Haides which originally meant th

  • labor

    Etymology The word labor comes from the Latin word laborare meaning to work toil

  • dollar

    Etymology The word dollar originates from the Czech tolar a silver coin minted in th

  • masquerade

    Etymology The word masquerade derives from the Spanish term mascarada which emerged

  • draconian

    Etymology Draconian comes from the Latin word dracō meaning dragon or serpent

  • explode

    Etymology Explode is derived from the Latin term explodere which means to drive out

  • genesis

    Etymology The word genesis is derived from the Greek word γένεσις génesis

  • panegyric

    Etymology Derived from the Greek word panegyrikos which means related to a panegyri