ABSTRACT
At the same time that Herakles was developing as a tragic hero, other sides to his character were also being explored and elaborated. In this chapter we will look at three broad trends in Herakles’ treatment in literature and art of the classical period and later, his presentation as: (i) a figure of comedy; (ii) a player in philosophical discourse; and (iii) a romantic hero. These are quite distinct areas, but have in common a tendency to cast Herakles as the incarnation of either vice or virtue, taking to extremes particular elements of his character and suppressing others. They also all focus not on Herakles’ famous monster-slaying exploits but rather on internal qualities, of the intellect, appetites and emotions.
