Hercules: The Problematic Hero

Hercules is a problematic hero because of Hera's wrath placed upon him. Although, he completed many heroic deeds he suffered fits of madness as a result of Hera's jealousy of his birth. These fits of madness can be seen as his tragic flaw. In addition to his fits of madness however, was his lack of faithfulness for his wife Deianira which leads to his death. Another, more modern, representation of a problematic hero can be scene in the character of Jon Snow in the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones". Jon Snows problem lies in the conditions of his birth; being born the bastard of a king results in lack of respect and therefore authority. This results in his membership to the Night's Watch, similar to that of the twelve trials Hercules faces. It is there that he proves himself a natural leader and remarkable warrior. Similarly to that of Hercules it is there that those closest to him lead to his death by betrayal. The Night's Watch murder of Jon Snow parallels that of Deianira's murder of his husband has they were convinced by someone else. Lastly, is the parallel to Hercules becoming a god; Jon snow is revived through magic where he then leaves the Night's Watch to go and help his family. That is where the series left off and as you can see the story of Jon Snow as a problematic hero has parallels to that of Hercules.