Herakles
/ˈhɛr.ə.kliːz/noun
A hero of Greek mythology known for his superhuman strength and Twelve Labors.
Did you know?In Greek myth, Herakles’ very name encodes a divine paradox: he is named for Hera’s glory even though she is the force that relentlessly opposes him.
Etymological Timeline
Mycenaean Greek
Greek
e-ra-ki-re-u / Heraklewos
“An early Greek form of the hero’s name, probably meaning “of Heracles” or related to Heracles.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Hēraklēs
“Herakles, the mythic hero; literally “glory of Hera.””
Latin
Latin
Hercules
“Roman adaptation of the Greek hero’s name.”
Middle English
English
Hercules
“The Roman name for the Greek hero, used in literature and legend.”
Modern English
English
Herakles
“The Greek hero’s name, often used in scholarly and mythological contexts.”