Heracles: Not Hercules But Previously Alcides

Heracles is attributed with heroic status even to this day and yet he was one of the most destructive 'good' guys to exist. The classic image of the hero is in his feats where he saved cities and damsels from wild boars and sacrifice. However, the very need for him to complete the 12 labors is rooted in guilt for killing his entire family. Modern authors must leave out their heroes murdering and 'accidentally' harming everyone they meet from their formulaic stories. Yet, the theme of a hero that is regarded as such despite horrific actions persists through characters even though it deviates from the ideal. While a Disney movie may not reflect Heracles killing his teacher and children, Watchmen (2009) partially revolves around The Comedian, a maniac possessed with violence in the costume of a hero. On a general scale, several if not all hero movies show the destruction of towns and cities in the hero's fight to defend it. How many people really die when Superman throws the villain through a building? Therefore, the case of accidental harm on part of heroes is more common than it seems. Heracles is just a myth that aims for a tragic hero by attributing his negative actions to rage that is made out to be a burden that he suffers through not his own responsibility.