From Mythical to Ethical

Today's article was written by yours truly for a friend(read as "with a little help from"). As a result, it's not really that funny, given that I wasn't given a free reign to completely utilize my expletive vocabulary. So bear with me with this one. It's about what we can learn from European mythology, and a nice change from the usual stuff I write,  anyway, cheers
                European mythology has always been thought of as tales compiled over the ages

derived from carvings in the walls, with the potential to hold listeners spellbound with interest.

From David and Goliath to Beowulf, it is a treasure trove of literary prowess, that transcends

the boundaries of time. But is there more to it than meets the eye?

              Let's look at this age old tradition from a radically new point of view.Consider the Labors of Hercules. Is it just a tale spun by the wishful human mind or Is there any philosophical meaning behind the lore left behind for us by our European brethren? Let us find out.

               Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of Gods. However, he was doomed to be a mortal as a result of a curse. To redeem himself as a God he was to complete a series of tasks. His story came to be known as the labors of Hercules.

               The first labor of Hercules was to obtain the golden antlers of a stag that was rumored to be the pet of the God of Wind himself, and was endowed with speed that no mortal could even hope to match, testament to which were its feet of brass. Hercules followed the beast from the Greek mountains, to the valleys of Europe, over the seas, to the plains of Africa, hoping to get it wounded by his arrows, but could never get within range. At last, after months of pursuit, he identified the stag’s pattern of movement and finally laid a trap in which the stag’s magnificent golden antlers got caught. Thus, Hercules completed his first task.

               From this story, we see that Hercules persevered, came out of his comfort zone, beyond the threshold of mortal endurance, and his patience was rewarded. The story also tells us that one must identify and utilize all the resources at their disposal in order to fulfill the task most efficiently. This is the first teaching of Hercules.

                For his second labor, Hercules was ordered to clean the stables of the King Augeas of Greece where 3000 oxen had lived for 39 years, without the place being once cleaned. It seemed an impossible job for one man. However, Hercules was as wise as he was powerful. He spent several months cutting a new channel for the stream that flowed near the stables, so that the river now flowed as a rushing torrent through the stables, carrying away to the sea, the mountain like heaps of dirt.

               The second teaching of Hercules is that in order to make the most out of life, one must not rely on physical strength alone. A sharp mind is sometimes more powerful than a strong body. To work smart, and not work hard, is what he teaches us, and is implemented by all of us to this very day.

               The third labor of Hercules was to obtain golden apples from a fabled garden guarded by three fair maidens. Hercules, being a man of principle, could not lift his sword against three women. After tedious searching, he found that Atlas, a giant made to carry the heavens for all eternity was the only one who could get them. He agreed to get the apples for Hercules, if he would carry his burden for a while. But, Atlas was a sly one. He intended to trick Hercules and make him carry the heavens in his place. However, Hercules soon saw through his plan, and soon after Atlas had agreed and got him the apples, under the guise of putting the apples in his bag, he ran away swiftly, leaving the giant roaring with rage.

               In his third task, Hercules teaches us that one must remain integral to his or her beliefs come what may, and that one who even thinks of breaking them loses all hope of ever being more than a mere mortal. He also tells us that there comes a time when one must take the help of those that one would rather avoid. To exercise caution when doing so, and understanding the mindset of the one concerned is imperative. And that diplomacy, when it harms no one, is a very valuable asset.

               Hercules was then ordered to conquer a tribe of savage female warriors known as Amazons. They were great in number,each with the strength of a horse. Hercules understood that this was not a task that he could complete alone. So he began recruiting heroes and warriors, aching for adventure to come along with him and fight. The war was brutal and many were killed, but in the end victory favored Hercules, but it was by far, his most dangerous ordeal.

               This anecdote tells of the clarity and level headedness Hercules had. His power did not corrupt him as it so often does. He understood and accepted his limits. His humility offered him the solution that won him the war. That unity is strength.

               The fifth labor of Hercules was to slay the Hydra, a many headed monster. Hercules began by cutting off each head of the monster at once, but was in for a rude shock. Every time he cut off a head, two new ones grew in its place. But Hercules, being of nimble mind and body, came up with a solution. Every time he cut off a head, he would burn the root from where it grew. So one by one, the number of heads grew less, and in the end, the Hydra was slain.

               This fifth teaching of Hercules is that, every problem is a Hydra. If you approach it with the intent of merely pruning it from your life, it will only return with twice the problems. But if you deal with the problem from the root itself, it is destroyed completely. So, one must not think of merely avoiding problems, but one must face them and make sure that they are obliterated from scratch.

               Wise, powerful, courageous and determined. No wonder he is the Son of God! However, we have not yet arrived at the last and most important teaching Hercules has to offer. He teaches us that, nothing in this world is impossible, and that man has the potential of being perfect. So, it seems that European mythology is not mere folklore after all! It teaches us simple and powerful things that we can apply to our daily lives too!

                  Finally,learning begins from the heart. That if one wishes to learn, even the whispering wind, the swaying flowers, or even a thousand year old fable can be a teacher. That is what I have learnt.