Heracles at the crossroads

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Heracles at the Crossroads , also known as The Choice of Heracles , is a myth found in Greek mythology . It is about the Greek hero Herakles , who has to choose between an effortless, but short-term and morally reprehensible path, and an arduous but virtuous and long-term happy path. The myth is a creation of the classical period and goes back to a lost work of the sophist Prodikos von Keos . It is passed down most extensively by his contemporaries Xenophon in his memorabilia (2, 1, 21–34). The subject was widely received in art.

content

When the young Heracles, who is still undecided which way of life to choose, retires to a secluded place to reflect, two women appear to him. One is simply dressed and modestly looks down without looking at Heracles. The second is lavishly spruced up and wears precious clothes. She speaks to Heracles and offers him her friendship. She promises him that if he follows her, he will be spared pain and will not have to forego any joy. When Heracles asked her her name, she said that her friends call her bliss ( Εὐδαιμονία ), and that her enemies call her viciousness (Κακία). Then the other woman, who is the embodiment of virtue ( Ἀρετή ), takes the floor. She explains that the gods did not give people anything without effort and diligence. The reward for the virtuous path is honor and admiration. The two women debate which way is more advantageous for Heracles. Finally, Heracles opts for the virtuous path.

background

In Xenophon's memorabilia , the myth is part of a lengthy exposition by Socrates of why it is inadvisable to always choose the easiest route. In addition to Prodikos, he also quotes Hesiod ( Works and Days 287–292) and the Sicilian comedy poet Epicharmos . It is unclear in what context the myth appeared in Prodikos and in what relationship Xenophon's description stands to the original text, since Xenophon himself states that he only reproduces the story from memory.

The parable could have a forerunner in the judgment of Paris , with which it was already compared in antiquity.

Impact history

Antique reception

Many Greek and Roman authors referred to the myth of Heracles at the Crossroads. For example, in his epic Punica , Silius Italicus portrays the general Scipio Africanus in a similar situation. In his play The Birds , the comedy poet Aristophanes makes fun of Heracles, who has to choose between kingship and a tasty meal and almost decides to eat.

Flavius ​​Philostratos reports on images that show Heracles making his decision and apparently assumes that these are familiar to his readership. The myth was also received in ancient art, even if the works mentioned have not survived.

painting

The myth of Heracles at the crossroads served as the inspiration for numerous paintings, particularly the Renaissance , Baroque and Classicism . The topic was also used in a figurative sense, for example in Angelika Kauffmann's self-portrait at the crossroads between music and painting . In the 19th and 20th centuries the similar motif, the broad and the narrow path, was widespread in Pietist circles.

music

literature

Web links

Commons : Heracles at a crossroads  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Athenaios , Deipnosophistai 510c.
  2. ↑ Silius Italicus , Punica 15, 18–128.
  3. ↑ Aristophanes , The Birds 1596–1602.
  4. ↑ Flavius ​​Philostratus , Life of Apollonios from Tyana 6:10 .