Twelve Labors of Heracles | Greek Mythology for HS and Undergraduate ELA 10-11

The Twelve Labors of Heracles—Heracles (Hercules) is the consummate strongman figure, akin to the biblical Samson or Lou Ferrigno’s portrayal of the Hulk (Ferrigno also portrayed Hercules in several cinematic productions). The son of Zeus and Alcmene of Thebes, Heracles is compelled to serve King Eurystheus under a decree that demands he complete the Twelve Labors—colossal feats of strength and cunning that include vanquishing formidable beasts and retrieving sacred relics. Throughout each Labor, Heracles receives guidance from Athena, Zeus’s daughter, who bestows upon him a measure of divine wisdom and unwavering resolve. Although Heracles and the Thebans depart Mycenae on a shared quest with Athena’s blessing, Heracles must ultimately walk the path of atonement alone. After completing his final Labor, Heracles neglects to offer full gratitude to the gods for lifting his mortal curse, prompting further conflict in the wake of his hard-won triumph.

This Resource Includes the Following Features:

• Access to Print and Digital Versions (PDF, Google Workspace (Slides)
• Four-Day Lesson Calendar (with Teacher’s Notes)
• Key Characters and Places Anchor Chart
  • Orient learners by identifying the cast of characters and their relationship to each other and the gods. Includes a Science-to-Mythology connection by relating the constellations named after Heracles (Hercules in Roman parlance) and his labors.
• 27 Reading Cards — Designed to effectively combine mythological narratives with artistic representations, enhancing the educational value of the content.
  • Each card is illustrated and includes the following topics—
  • Amphitryon and Alcmene
  • Heracles Conqueror
  • Heracles at the Foot of Omphale
  • The Nemean Lion
  • The Lernaean Hydra
  • The Cretan Bull
  • Three-headed Cerberus
  • Birds of Lake Stymphalis
  • The Cattle of Geryon
  • The Golden Apples of the Hesperides
  • Girdle of Hippolyta
  • Horse of Diomedes
  • Augean Stables & The Stag of Artemis
  • Erymanthian Boar, The Giant Antaeus, & Heracles Bas-Relief
  • Nereus & Achelous
  • Hesione and the Sea Serpent
  • Heracles’ Participation on the Argo
  • Heracles on Mount Oeta
  • Heracles in Worship and Literature
  • Heracles in Popular Culture
  • The Phoenician Hercules
  • The Twelve Labors Anchor Chart
  • Art Connection: A Docent’s Guide to the ‘Hercules Mastai’ at the Vatican
  • Pillars of Heracles
  • Archaic Attic Amphoras A & B
  • Heracles and Geryon Coloring Page
  • Note: The cards included in this resource engage with a range of artworks, some of which include artistic representations of nudity. This is particularly common in significant ancient Greek, Roman, Renaissance and 19th-century paintings and sculptures, reflecting historical, mythological, and philosophical ideas central to understanding human culture and expression. All artworks are presented thoughtfully, in an academic context, to foster respectful and meaningful conversations about art, history, and society.
• 2 Note-taking templates
• 57-count Question Bank
• 1 Exit Ticket
  • Exit tickets are a way to get data about your students’ understanding of the lesson right before the class is finished. Collect these exit tickets and quickly see what your students have learned.
• Frayer Model Vocabulary Template (with one student sample)
  • Frayer models are a way to get kids to think about vocabulary visually in a four-section square — A square for meaning, one for examples, another for non-examples, and a sketch. It is impressive to see the work they produce. A great way to decorate your classroom to showcase your kids’ vocabulary-in-text understanding. The cards can contain terms, geography, challenging words (as well as contextual entries that fit the story).
• 2 Writing Prompts
  • Dramatic Monologue
  • Construct a Conversation
• 1 Further Reading List
  • Don’t disregard this further reading list if you think it is merely a bibliography. Share the list with your students or have them do projects based on the available research. Assign different sources to students and organize presentations where learning can go deeper into the story.
• Answer Keys and Standards Alignment Chart