Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A hero in classical mythology: In Greek and Roman mythology, Hercules is a divine hero renowned for his extraordinary strength and courage. He is famous for completing twelve seemingly impossible tasks, known as the Twelve Labors, to atone for a crime and ultimately gain immortality.
   • A constellation in the northern sky: Hercules is also the name of a large constellation located in the northern hemisphere, positioned between the constellations Lyra and Corona Borealis.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Mythological Figure):

  • The myth of Hercules tells the story of a hero who performed twelve immense labors.
  • Hercules is often depicted wearing a lion's skin and carrying a club.

• Proper noun (Astronomy):

  • You can see the constellation Hercules on a clear summer night.
  • The Hercules Cluster is a famous globular cluster located within this constellation.

Advanced Usage

• "a Herculean task": An idiom describing a task that requires tremendous strength, effort, or determination, directly referencing the hero's labors.
  • Cleaning the entire warehouse single-handedly was a Herculean task.

Variants and Related Words

• Herculean (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of Hercules; requiring or showing great strength or effort.
  • He made a Herculean effort to finish the project on time.

Synonyms

• Hero (for the mythological sense): A person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character.
• Strongman (for the attribute of strength): A man who performs feats of physical strength.

Related Idioms

• "the labors of Hercules": Refers to a series of extremely difficult tasks.
  • Getting the legislation passed was like one of the labors of Hercules.

Noun

1. a large constellation in the northern hemisphere between Lyra and Corona Borealis
2. (classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality