Homeric Hymn 15 to Heracles

Anonymous. Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns and Homerica. Evelyn-White, Hugh G., editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: The Macmillan Co., 1914.

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This short hymn celebrates the life and deification of Heracles, the son of Zeus and Alcmene. The poem begins by recalling Heracles' birth in Thebes and his earthly life filled with immense hardships. Under the orders of King Eurystheus, he traveled across the vast earth and seas, performing numerous perilous labors and enduring great suffering. After completing these arduous tasks, however, his mortal struggles ended, and he was received into the divine realm of Olympus. Now dwelling among the gods, Heracles is wedded to Hebe, the goddess of youth, and enjoys a life of eternal happiness and peace. In closing, the poet addresses the hero-god, praying for him to bestow virtue (*arete*) and prosperity (*olbos*) upon his life.