Hercules who? We're talking Heracles! | Part 2 | Greeking Out Podcast | NEW | S12 E3 | @natgeokids

Key Concepts

• Heracles's Anger and its Consequences: The central theme revolves around Heracles's struggle with anger, its destructive impact, and his eventual journey towards self-awareness and redemption.
• Dionara and Heracles's Marriage: The narrative details Heracles's pursuit and marriage to Dionara, highlighting the societal constraints on women and the complexities of their relationship.
• Nessus's Deception and the Love Potion: The centaur Nessus's manipulation of Dionara leads to a tragic turn of events, illustrating the long-lasting consequences of past grievances.
• Heracles's Transformation into a God: The story culminates in Heracles's death and subsequent apotheosis, a common motif in Greek mythology where heroes achieve divine status.
• The Nature of Villainy and Heroism: The episode explores the blurred lines between villainous actions and heroic intentions, particularly through the character of Steven Carlile, who plays villains on stage but identifies as a kind person.

Heracles's Villain Era: A Journey Through Anger and Revenge

This episode of "Greeking Out" delves into the "villain era" of Heracles, following his previous "wellness era" where he learned to control his anger. The narrative highlights how, despite his past lessons, Heracles's anger and inability to let go of past grievances lead to further destruction and personal tragedy.

Recap of Heracles's Wellness Era

The episode begins with a brief recap of Heracles's previous struggles with anger. After winning an archery contest to marry Ioli of Okalia, her father refused, leading Heracles to kill Ioli's brother in a fit of rage. As punishment, he was sent to Lydia to serve a wise queen, where he learned that brute strength isn't always the solution.

The Kingdom of Caladon and Dionara

Heracles arrives in the kingdom of Caladon, intending to offer his services to King Oius. He is immediately struck by the king's daughter, Dionara, a strong and independent woman who drives her own chariot. Heracles, still hurt by his failed courtship with Ioli, begins to consider marriage again. However, Dionara is already engaged to the river god Akalas, a powerful shapeshifter and son of Titans Oceanis and Tethys.

The Wrestling Match with Akalas

Despite Dionara's lack of choice in her marriage, Heracles challenges Akalas to a wrestling match to win her hand. The fight is dramatic, with Akalas transforming into various forms, including a giant, a bull, and a water snake. Heracles, experienced in fighting monstrous creatures, eventually defeats Akalas by wrestling him on dry land and breaking off one of his horns. This victory allows Heracles to marry Dionara.

The Seeds of Revenge and the Nessus Incident

The narrative then shifts to Heracles and Dionara's life together. However, Heracles's anger resurfaces as he begins to dwell on past injustices. This leads to him accidentally killing the king's cupbearer in a rage, forcing him and Dionara to flee Caladon.

While attempting to cross a deep river, they encounter the centaur Nessus, who offers to carry Dionara across. Heracles, distrustful of centaurs due to past conflicts ("major beef"), is hesitant. However, Dionara accepts the offer. Nessus, however, kidnaps Dionara and flees. Heracles pursues and shoots Nessus with an arrow poisoned with Hydra venom.

Before dying, Nessus deceives Dionara by telling her that his blood can be used as a love potion to ensure Heracles's lifelong devotion. He claims Heracles is still hung up on Ioli. Dionara, though loving Heracles, keeps a vial of Nessus's blood, influenced by his words and the lingering insecurity about Heracles's past.

Heracles's Vengeance and the Destruction of Okalia

Fueled by his inability to let go of past wrongs, Heracles embarks on a campaign of revenge. He attacks those who had previously wronged him, including the king who made him clean stables and someone who cut him off in traffic. His ultimate target is King Uritus of Okalia, Ioli's father. Heracles raises an army and brutally destroys Okalia, killing King Uritus and all his sons.

Ioli's Confrontation

When Heracles finally captures Ioli, she confronts him, stating that his anger has proven her father right and that he can never control himself. She points to the destruction of her kingdom as evidence of his uncontrolled rage. This moment prompts a rare introspection in Heracles, who realizes the devastating consequences of his anger and the destruction he has wrought, even in places of past mentorship.

The Tragic End and Heracles's Apotheosis

Heracles, feeling responsible for his actions, decides to make amends. He arranges for Ioli to be taken care of by a trusted friend, a decision that, from a modern perspective, highlights the limited options for women in ancient Greece.

Meanwhile, Dionara, fearing Heracles's return with Ioli and remembering Nessus's words, uses the vial of centaur blood. She applies it to Heracles's clothes, believing it will ensure his love. Upon wearing the poisoned garment, Heracles is consumed by agony, feeling as though he is burning. The Hydra venom, transferred from Nessus's blood via the arrow, has taken effect.

A prophecy foretold Heracles's death by an old enemy from beyond the grave. As he dies, Heracles realizes the truth of this prophecy. Being a demigod, his death is prolonged. He requests a funeral pyre, where he burns away his mortality and ascends to Mount Olympus, becoming a god. He marries Hei, the goddess of youth.

The Fate of Dionara and Ioli

Dionara ensures Ioli is cared for and finds her a protective husband. While some versions of the myth suggest Dionara throws herself on Heracles's funeral pyre, in this telling, she lives to an old age, raising her children alongside Ioli and her family, having learned lessons about revenge.

Conclusion and Host's Reflection

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the story and the character of Heracles. Steven Carlile, who played Hades in the West End musical "Disney's Hercules," expresses his enjoyment of playing characters against his true personality, emphasizing his love for baking and helping others. He humorously reveals his "plan to take over the world" by starting with children's podcasts. The episode highlights the enduring themes of anger, revenge, and the complex nature of heroism in Greek mythology.