Hercules, or Heracles in Greek mythology, is one of the most famous heroes in ancient lore, celebrated for his strength, courage, and the completion of the 12 Labors. These monumental tasks were more than feats of strength—they were a path to redemption for his violent actions after Hera drove him mad. But what if Hercules failed? What if he didn’t complete the 12 Labors and his redemption remained unfulfilled? Let’s dive into this alternate scenario and explore the far-reaching consequences for Hercules, the gods, and the mortal world.
The Original Story: Hercules and the 12 Labors
The 12 Labors of Hercules were imposed as a form of penance after he killed his wife and children in a fit of madness caused by Hera. King Eurystheus assigned these impossible tasks, hoping Hercules would fail. These labors included slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Golden Hind of Artemis, and obtaining the Apples of the Hesperides, among others. With the help of his divine lineage and sheer willpower, Hercules successfully completed all the tasks and achieved redemption, eventually ascending to Mount Olympus as a god.
What if Hercules Didn’t Complete the Labors?
1. Hercules’ Path to Redemption Fails
One of the main reasons Hercules undertook the 12 Labors was to atone for the murder of his family. If he failed to complete them, his path to redemption would remain unfulfilled. This would have severe consequences:
- Eternal Guilt and Madness: Without completing the Labors, Hercules would continue to be haunted by the guilt of killing his wife and children. His mind, already strained from Hera’s curse, might never find peace. His unhealed madness could drive him further down a dark path, leading to more violence and destruction.
- Exile or Death: Failing to complete the Labors could mean that Hercules remains under the rule of Eurystheus. The king might exile or imprison him, or even order his death as punishment for failing the tasks. This would end the tale of Hercules not as a triumphant hero, but as a tragic figure, defeated by his inability to overcome his burdens.
2. The Gods Withdraw Their Favor
Hercules had the favor of several gods, including Athena, Hermes, and even his father, Zeus, during his Labors. These deities helped him along the way, but a failure to complete the tasks might have caused the gods to lose faith in him.
- Zeus’ Disappointment: As the son of Zeus, Hercules was expected to live up to divine potential. Zeus might become disappointed in his son’s failure, distancing himself from Hercules. This loss of paternal support could leave Hercules more vulnerable to Hera’s wrath.
- Hera’s Victory: Hera’s relentless hatred for Hercules was a driving force in his misfortune. If Hercules failed, Hera would likely see this as a major victory. She might continue to torment him, preventing him from ever finding peace.
3. The Fate of the Beasts and Tasks Left Unfinished
Each of Hercules' labors had far-reaching implications in the world of Greek mythology. If he had failed to complete these tasks, the consequences would have been felt not only by him but by the world at large.
- The Nemean Lion and Lernaean Hydra: If Hercules failed to kill the Nemean Lion or the Lernaean Hydra, these monstrous creatures would have continued to terrorize the people of Greece. Without a hero strong enough to defeat them, entire cities could fall prey to their wrath.
- The Capture of Cerberus: If Hercules didn’t succeed in bringing Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the underworld, to the surface, this may have triggered the wrath of Hades. A failed attempt to enter and exit the underworld might cause Hercules to be trapped there, lost among the souls of the dead.
4. The Mortal World Without Hercules’ Influence
Hercules' deeds inspired generations of mortals, influencing myths, legends, and even kings. If Hercules failed to complete his Labors, the mortal world would suffer from the absence of his influence.
- No Cult of Hercules: Hercules’ success and eventual deification led to the establishment of cults in his honor. These cults spread across Greece, Rome, and beyond. Without his triumphs, these cults might never have existed, leading to a lesser impact on Greek and Roman culture.
- No Heroic Legacy: Many of Hercules’ descendants, known as the Heracleidae, went on to become important figures in Greek history. Without Hercules completing the Labors and earning his place as a god, his heroic lineage might be forgotten, depriving future generations of some of the greatest rulers and heroes.
5. No Ascension to Mount Olympus
One of the most important consequences of Hercules' failure would be the loss of his immortality. By completing the 12 Labors, Hercules was granted immortality and a place among the gods on Mount Olympus. If he failed, this divine reward would never come to pass.
- No Divine Hercules: Without his ascension, Hercules would die a mortal death, likely filled with pain, guilt, and suffering. The heroic figure of Hercules would never become the god worshiped by both mortals and the divine.
- A Different Champion of the Gods?: If Hercules didn’t rise to become a god, the Olympians might seek another champion to represent them among mortals. This could lead to an entirely new set of myths surrounding a different figure who rises to take Hercules’ place.
6. The Power Dynamics Among Gods and Mortals
The gods used heroes like Hercules to maintain balance between the divine and mortal worlds. Without his presence, this balance might be disrupted.
- Hera’s Ascendancy: Without Hercules to defy her, Hera might gain more power in the divine hierarchy. Her influence could extend to other heroes and mortal realms, causing more turmoil and tragedy as she seeks revenge for past slights.
- Zeus’ Reign in Jeopardy: Zeus often relied on Hercules as his strongest mortal ally. If Hercules failed, Zeus might lose some of his dominance over the other gods, making his reign more fragile and prone to challenges from other deities or even Titans seeking revenge.
Conclusion: A Tragic End for the Greatest Hero
In this alternate scenario, if Hercules didn’t complete the 12 Labors, his story would shift from one of redemption and triumph to one of tragedy and loss. His failures would have profound effects on both the divine and mortal worlds, leaving behind a legacy of chaos rather than heroism. The monsters he was meant to slay would roam free, the gods would withdraw their favor, and mortals would be left without their greatest protector.
Instead of rising to Mount Olympus as a god, Hercules’ tale might end in darkness, a hero crushed under the weight of his sins, doomed to be forgotten or cursed for eternity.
Call to Action
Do you think Hercules could have found another path to redemption if he failed the 12 Labors, or would he be doomed to a tragic fate? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for our next post where we explore what might have happened if Persephone had never eaten the pomegranate seeds!