The Destruction and Rebuilding of Heracles

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The ancient Greeks were a civilization to whom respect was very important. They believed in serving guests no matter who they were; before even asking the guest their name, the host would clean their feet, offer them water and a place to rest. Strangers to a house are regarded with the utmost respect so a friendship to the Greeks would be a bond as strong as blood. In Euripides’ Heracles, Theseus poetically describes their friendship to Heracles in an attempt to pull him out of his distress. Friendship has a redemptive power that blood does not because family is expected to care for you. When a family member wrongs you, it is worse than when a friend does. But when a friend helps you it is a greater favour than when a family member does. As a friend, Theseus has no responsibility to even come to Heracles’ side. Within the play, Theseus showed a compassion for Heracles that could not be matched by his father Zeus or his aunt Hera. Hera is Heracles’ family and she does accept him but she is who makes Heracles’ life so difficult. Zeus, his own father does not aid Heracles or hinder Hera. Theseus has a bond with Heracles that is much stronger than any member of Heracles’ family.
Zeus, the all-powerful god and ruler of the universe, is capable of anything, anything except for coming to the aid of his own son. He has a no role in the play at all, only as a figure of worship. Zeus does not assist Heracles’ father, wife and children even when they are praying and starving for his help. “Now, to keep these heirs of Heracles from death,/their mother and I in supplication/kneeled to Zeus the Savior at this altar,” (ll. 46-48). Zeus’ grandchildren’s lives are threatened yet he stands by idly. I think it’s obvious that Zeus has no sympathy fo...

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...anks to Theseus’ friendship. Heracles says to his father, “O father, choose a man like this for friend.” (l. 1404). Theseus has no reason to take Heracles with him to Athens but he does so anyway because of their friendship.
Heracles grew up with a difficult life. He was hindered by Hera and ignored by Zeus. His father tried his best to console him but could not connect with him because of the difference in their lineage. A simple mortal could not understand the troubles and complications of a hero. Theseus, his true friend, was able to comfort and pull him out of his distress. Theseus was able to help Heracles where his family could not. His family treated him horribly, and tried to kill him while Theseus, showed him only kindness and understanding.

Works Cited

Euripides. Heracles. Trans. William Arrowsmith. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1956. Print.

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