logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
52m 27s

Heracles

History Hit
About this episode

Tristan Hughes continues the Greek Gods and Goddesses series with today’s deity; the most popular mythical hero of them all: Heracles, or Hercules. Same hero.


His story has never faded, reimagined in various media formats from Hollywood and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, to Disney, to The Ancients podcast. Professor Alastair Blanshard joins Tristan to discuss who Heracles was, what were some of the many myths surrounding this hero, and what were his 12 labours?


Presented by Tristan Hughes and produced by Joseph Knight. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. Voice Actor is Nichola Wooley


The Ancients is a podcast from History Hit.


Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code ANCIENTS - sign up here.


Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards here.


You can take part in our listener survey here.

Up next
Oct 9
The First Hawaiians
Tristan Hughes goes on an exploration of Hawaii's earliest settlers, guided by the insights of Dr. Patrick Kirch, a leading expert on Hawaiian archeology. From the arrival of Polynesians around AD 1000, using sophisticated double-hull canoes, to their unique agricultural practice ... Show More
51m 57s
Oct 5
Gladiators: A Day in the Life
The Colosseum packed with roaring crowds, the sand stained with sweat and blood. But today, you’re not watching - you’re fighting. Welcome to a day in the life of a Roman gladiator.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by historian and author Dr Harry Sidebott ... Show More
59m 56s
Oct 2
Origins of Mythology
From Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast, the roots of fairy tales stretch back thousands of years — to the dawn of Indo-European languages and beyond.In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by author and journalist Laura Spinney to explore the origins of mytholo ... Show More
47m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Greek Myths: The Furies
The gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece have been written about for thousands of years. From their home atop Mount Olympus, they reigned over the land, sea and sky. The course of human history was shaped by the whims and wishes of these deities, and the Furies were no exception. ... Show More
20m 26s
Feb 2022
Back On His Sh*t, Heracles (Hercules) Wants to Get Hitched, Encounters w/ Iole & Omphale (More Heracles Part 1)
Heracles is at it again! We return to this "hero" after he's "purified" himself from the murder of his wife and children... So obviously he's looking to get married again! For past episodes on ol' Herc, check out this Spotify playlist. Submit your questions or comments about Atla ... Show More
35m 58s
Sep 2023
Nobody Labours Like Heracles (Hercules): The Cultural History of the Panhellenic Hero
Heracles was like, a really big deal. Examining the historical and cultural impact of a 1000+ year old hero. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods an ... Show More
43m 3s
Sep 2023
Before Heracles, There was Alcmene: The Woman Behind the Greatest Hero
Before Heracles, there was Alcmene, and there's so much more to her than just "mother of a hero". Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monste ... Show More
42m 30s
Sep 2023
The Knights Templar
Few organisations in history have names as loaded with legend as the Knights Templar. Western culture is infused with the mythology of these pious warrior monks, who wielded magic and went on quests for legendary treasures. In reality, it was an elite fighting force that became a ... Show More
39m 42s
Jun 2023
That Guy Really Got Around! Heracles (Hercules) & His Many, Many Boyfriends
Heracles had lovers all over the ancient Greek world, and a whole collection of them were men. These are their stories and, let's be honestly, brief mentions and anecotes. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths invo ... Show More
33m 58s
Aug 2024
Lawrence of Arabia
The famed British officer who fought alongside Arab guerrilla forces in WW1. Best known for his legendary exploits as an intelligence officer in the Middle East, Thomas Edward Lawrence was also an archaeologist, scholar and photographer. His life was one of adventure and espionag ... Show More
59m 29s
Aug 2023
Ragnar Lothbrok: Viking Legend
The ninth-century Danish king and warrior Ragnar Lothbrok became notorious again most recently through the TV series The Vikings. But what do we know about the real Ragnar Lothbrok? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis finds out from Professor Carolyne Larrington, author ... Show More
50m 54s
Oct 2019
Saladin
You might have learned about Richard the Lionheart in school (or from Disney’s Robin Hood), but how much do you know about his opponent, the legendary Saladin? Why does Saladin have such an enduring reputation as a good guy? Host Greg Jenner is joined by comedian Maria Shehata an ... Show More
44m 46s
Feb 2024
Who Really Was Boudica?
She's the warrior queen who took on the mighty Roman Empire, but who really was Boudica? Separating facts from the myths we've read can be tricky, but thankfully Kate is joined by the wonderful Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women, to find out the tru ... Show More
41m 28s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami