Heracles and Mythology

Lesson Context

Curriculum Area:

This lesson falls under Classical Civilisation GCSE (KS4), in particular the "Myth and Religion" component, focusing on Greek myths and their cultural, religious, and artistic significance. It aligns with the UK GCSE framework where students are expected to explore how mythology reflects the values and beliefs of ancient civilisations.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this 45-minute lesson, students will:

1. Understand the mythological significance of Heracles and his representation in Greek culture.
2. Explore myths associated with Heracles, particularly his role as the founder of the Olympic Games and the Twelve Labours.
3. Analyse key historical artefacts connected with Heracles, such as the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.
4. Independently critically assess the Homeric Hymn "To Heracles the Lion-Hearted" to make connections with his typical portrayal.

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter: Visual Stimulus and Discussion (5 Minutes)

• Activity: Show two contrasting images of Heracles: one as depicted on a Greek vase and another from a Roman-era marble statue (Hercules). Provide students with the following two focus questions on the whiteboard:

  1. What are the main characteristics or symbols you notice in both images?
  2. How is he depicted similarly? How is he different?

• Purpose: This activity encourages students to visualise differences in depiction and sets the stage for understanding how Heracles might have been perceived differently across cultures.

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Main Content Delivery: Thematic Exploration (15 Minutes)

Break the exploration into three main sections, using a mix of storytelling and guiding questions to engage students:

1. Heracles as the Founder of the Olympic Games (5 Minutes)

• Use storytelling to captivate attention: the story of Heracles cleaning the Augean stables and dedicating them to Zeus, inspiring the games to honour Zeus' strength and endurance.
• Discuss briefly the Olympic values (competition, excellence, physical strength) and how Heracles embodies these.
• Reflection prompt: Why do you think an enduring sporting tradition like the Olympics was tied to someone like Heracles?

2. 12 Labours and the Temple of Zeus (5 Minutes)

• Present descriptions of the 12 Labours of Heracles and share that the Temple of Zeus at Olympia depicted these as friezes.
• Show an image of one of the temple’s friezes (like Heracles and the Cretan Bull).
• Ask: Why do you think this story was carved into a temple dedicated to Zeus? What does it say about the relationship between gods and mortals in Greek culture?

3. Homeric Hymn to Heracles (5 Minutes)

• Read aloud a short excerpt from the Homeric Hymn “To Heracles the Lion-Hearted” (provide students with the text from a handout). Focus on key descriptions like Heracles' strength, resilience, and bravery.
• Pose guiding questions for thinking:
  • How does this hymn emphasise Heracles’ divine attributes?
  • Why are such hymns important for immortalising mythological heroes in Greek culture?

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Independent Activity: Mythological Analysis Worksheet (20 Minutes)

Distribute a 2-page worksheet. The worksheet balances creative thinking and textual analysis, encouraging students to work independently and stay engaged.

Page 1: Quick Recall and Reflection

Task 1: Match the Labour with its corresponding symbol. For instance:

• Cretan Bull ➡ A. Minotaur Image
• Nemean Lion ➡ B. Lion-Skin Cloak
• Erymanthian Boar ➡ C. A Boar Chase

Task 2: Choose one Labour to answer this question:

• Why do you think this specific Labour might have been popularised as part of Heracles’ myth? Write in 3-4 sentences.

Page 2: Critical Thinking Questions

Task 3: Analyse the Homeric Hymn. Provide the following excerpt:
"Glorious Heracles, son of Zeus, relied on steadfast heart and toil to overcome impossible tasks. He traverses lands, seas, and enduring pain to guard humankind and prove his strength."

• Question A: What words emphasise his resilience? (e.g., "steadfast," "toil")
• Question B: How do you think Heracles was seen as a protector of humankind?

Task 4: Creative Drawing or Writing Option:

• Draw Heracles as you imagine him after everything you have learnt today. Annotate your drawing with 3 key traits that define him as a hero in Greek mythology.
  OR
• Write a postcard from Olympia as if you attended the Olympic Games dedicated to Heracles. Explain how his myths inspire the games.

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Plenary: Key Takeaway Discussion (5 Minutes)

• Ask students to share their answers or drawings from Task 4 with the class. Discuss:
  • How does Heracles embody the concept of heroism that transcends time?
  • Why is he remembered as more than just a strongman?

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Differentiation and Assessment

Differentiation

1. For Higher-Ability Students: Encourage deeper textual analysis by asking them to compare the Homeric Hymn with their knowledge of another mythological hero (e.g., Odysseus).
2. For Lower-Ability Students: Provide scaffolding in the worksheet, with word banks for descriptive terms in Task 3 and examples to choose from to help complete their postcard/drawing annotations.

Assessment

1. Monitor students’ independent worksheet progress to gauge understanding of key themes (e.g., resilience, heroism, and cultural impact).
2. Use plenary contributions to assess how well they have contextualised Heracles’ myths in Greek cultural and religious settings.

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Materials Needed

• Projector and images of Heracles (Greek vase and Roman marble statue).
• Handouts with Homeric Hymn excerpt and worksheet.
• Optional: Printed images of the Temple of Zeus friezes.
• Colouring tools or spare paper for creative activity.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Were the students able to critically analyse the Homeric Hymn?
• Did they successfully draw connections between Heracles’ myth and the Olympic Games, the Temple of Zeus, and Greek cultural values?
• Were all students engaged during the creative component? Adjust future tasks accordingly—e.g., more time for discussion or independent work based on class dynamics.