Euripide's Heracles: A True Hero

Heracles is often thought of as a hero due to his acts of bravery. However, at the most climatic moment of Heracles by Euripides (translated by Michael R. Halleran), Heracles is seen as a monster that slaughters his family. In spite of this, Heracles is still a hero. His acts of violence were caused by Hera’s hatred. Heracles’ madness that led him to kill his family was not done by his own will; Hera and Iris led him to this path. For example, Heracles’ is no longer under the protection of Zeus after finishing his tasks; as a result, Hera can harm him if she pleases, “he may recognize what sort is Hera’s anger against him” (Euripides 840). Furthermore, Heracles reveals the happiness Hera should feel for the madness he went through:
“Let the famous wife of Zeus dance,
Striking Olympus’ sparkling floor with her shoes.
Turning upside down the first man of Greece
From the foundations” (Euripides 1303-1307). …show more content…
In addition to Hera there is Iris, who together foment Heracles’ downfall (Euripides 830-832). Even though it is not stated in the play, Iris one can infer she is following the orders of Hera. Heracles did not have the fault in the death of his wife and children. These atrocious acts were caused bye Hera and Iris. Heracles still remains a hero in the end because of salvation through friendship. Even though, Hera does this because Heracles is the product of Zeus’ affair with Alcmene it is not a reason to make Heracles go mad and kill his family, nor to torture him