Without a Bible or other written code of belief and behavior, the ancient Greeks learned moral and exemplary ways of living through myths. The stories of Heracles taught how to overcome hardship, how to use cleverness and cunning to achieve success, and how to persist when things seem to go against you.

Read the article entitled "Why Myths Still Matter: Hercules and His Twelve Healing Labors," from Psychology Today magazine. The article discusses the labors as offering healing powers to guide us in our struggles, exploring the first two as examples. In the class discussion to come, you will be asked to explore with your classmates how the other ten labors might also offer healing and guidance in life.

The article you should now read can be found at this

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evil-deeds/200910/why-myths-still-matter-hercules-and-his-twelve-healing-labors

do a solid paragraph which addresses each of the topics below. The objective is to funnel the author's ideas through your own thinking to reveal your personal understanding, so it's important to use your own words.

1. The German poet Rilke stated, "If my devils are to leave me, I am afraid my angels will take flight as well." The Greek idea is that we all have a daimonic force that creates unrest in us, and we must choose to channel that force in ways that are EITHER damaging and self-destructive OR creative and life-affirming. Our better angels can guide us against our devilish tendencies. Discuss this concept at some length by exploring a character from movies or literature (or instead a familiar real-life experience you have observed). (The author of the article you just read mentions "basic daimonic instincts or drives such as sexuality, power and aggression.")
2. Greek myths (and others from around the world) are often loaded with psychological insightsas well as with symbolism. Discuss the psychological symbolism of Hercules wearing the Nemean lion's skin, of the regenerating heads of the Hydra, and of Hercules dipping his arrows in the blood or bile of the Hydra.