In the vast tapestry of mythology, few tales resonate as deeply as the legendary exploits of Hercules. His story, marked by trials, triumphs, and the pursuit of immortality, mirrors the struggles and hardships we encounter in our own lives. Like Hercules, we are confronted with challenges that test our resolve and push us to our limits. Yet, it is through these trials that we have the opportunity to grow, evolve, and ultimately ascend to greatness.
Hercules' journey begins with seemingly insurmountable tasks imposed upon him by the gods themselves. From battling the fearsome Nemean Lion to capturing the elusive Golden Hind, each trial demanded Herculean strength, courage, and resilience. Similarly, in our lives, we face obstacles that appear daunting and formidable. Whether it's overcoming personal adversity, navigating professional challenges, or confronting inner demons, the path ahead can seem fraught with uncertainty and doubt.
As Hercules faced his trials, he encountered setbacks and obstacles that tested not only his physical prowess but also his character and resolve. The Hydra's heads multiplied as he attempted to slay it, and the weight of the heavens threatened to crush him as he bore Atlas' burden. Likewise, in our own lives, we encounter setbacks, failures, and moments of despair that threaten to overwhelm us. It is during these dark times that we must summon the strength and determination to persevere, knowing that every trial brings us closer to our ultimate destiny.
Yet, it is precisely through adversity that we find the opportunity for growth and transformation. Like Hercules, who emerged from each trial stronger and more resilient than before, we too have the capacity to rise above our circumstances and transcend our limitations. Each challenge we overcome, each obstacle we conquer, serves to shape us into the heroes of our own stories. And just as Hercules ascended to Olympus to claim his rightful place among the gods, so too can we ascend to new heights of achievement and fulfillment.
Now all of this sounds wonderful but it is just a myth right? How does a story help us in the real world? Well Hercules was actually based off of a real man. In the book “The Philosophy of Aristotle” by D. J. Allan, on page 4 it states “Hermeias was a man of humble origin who had risen to prominence with Persian support, enlisted a mercenary army, and acquired supreme power in this part of the world. He had appealed to Plato for guidance in legislation and he was now in correspondence with Phillip of Macedon, with a view to changing his allegiance and playing his part in a Macedonian assault on the Persian Empire. Soon after Aristotle had taken up residence at Assos, these negotiations were somehow betrayed. Hermeias was besieged at Artaneus by a Persian general, who invited him to a conference, treacherously made him a prisoner, and sent him to Persia. Here, under savage torture, he refused to give information about the Macedonian plans, and was put to death. His dominions were forfeited and his proteges, in anger and bitterness, were driven from their philosophical colony. Hermeias was now viewed as a martyr, who had fallen in the civilizing mission of Hellas. He was commemorated by a statue at Delphi. Aristotle composed noble verses in which he was named with Hercules, as a hero who labored and suffered for the sake of Virtue.”
Hermeias was the man who Hercules was based off of. From his story what do we see? We see a man from origins of no prominence who rose to power with hard work and determination. We see a man who was confused with the choices he should make and seeking help as we all do. And we see him get captured, but when given the option of living but betraying those who helped him reach his rise of power, or death while staying loyal to those whom he owed his success to. He chose the option of loyalty at the cost of death.
Ultimately, Hercules' journey is not just one of physical prowess and heroic deeds, but a quest for salvation and immortality. Whereas Hermeias journey was a quest of Virtue and Loyalty, but also a journey of testing the limits of one's potential. His trials represent not only the struggles and hardships of mortal life but also the path to enlightenment and transcendence. In overcoming his trials, Hercules transcended his mortal limitations and attained a state of divine grace, and Hermeias transcended an average life at the time with obtaining power that was thought to be unobtainable for someone of his beginnings. Similarly, as we navigate the trials and tribulations of our own lives, we too have the opportunity to transcend our limitations and realize our fullest potential.
This work of art was made to remind ourselves that we too can be like Hermeias and Hercules in our day to day lives. It is a testament to loyalty, discipline, hard work, and trials. It reminds us that with every bad day and struggle comes a good day and success. It reminds us to complete our trials that are in front of us today for it will make tomorrow's trials that much easier to handle. While also reminding us to stay true and loyal to those who have assisted us and who have loved us while also staying true to our morals to the very end and fighting till our last moments for what we believe in.
The story of Hercules and Hermeias serves as a timeless reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Their trials represent the struggles and hardships we all face on our journey through life. Hercules' ultimate triumph serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all, and Hermeias death serves as an example of what true loyalty and honor means. By embracing the hero within, we can rise above our circumstances, conquer our fears, and claim our rightful place among the gods. Like Hercules and Hermeias, we have the power to shape our destiny and forge a path to salvation. In order to do that though we must first accept and face out “Hurclaic Trials” head on, and from there we can become Not Finite, The Omega.
