What the Labors of Hercules Can Teach You About Life and Masculinity

Sep 29, 2021

In this conversation with Laurence Alison, a forensic psychologist and expert in interrogation, uncover the layers of the Hercules myth beyond its superhero facade. Laurence explores how the twelve labors of Hercules offer profound insights into themes of endurance, trauma, and masculinity. He illustrates how these ancient stories provide a framework for personal growth and mental health, particularly for military personnel and first responders. Discover the balance of strength and strategic thinking through Hercules' journey and the importance of shared experiences in overcoming life's challenges.

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ANECDOTE

Hercules in Therapy

Laurence Alison uses Hercules' myth to help military personnel and first responders process complex themes.
The myth provides a safe space to discuss trauma, loss, and masculinity.

INSIGHT

Sins of the Father

Hercules' story, like many Greek myths, features flawed parenting and a child bearing the consequences.
Zeus's infidelity and Hera's curse shape Hercules' life and labors.

INSIGHT

Labor as Atonement

Hercules' labors are seen as acts of atonement for murdering his family in a fit of madness.
Different interpretations exist, some viewing the first labor as a suicide mission, others as a test of strength.

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You're probably familiar with the mythological tale of Hercules (or "Heracles" as the hero was originally called) from books, comics, and movies. But while Hercules is often rendered as a kind of one-dimensional superhero in popular culture, my guest today argues that he's actually quite a complex character, and that the story of how he completed twelve epic labors has a lot to teach us about endurance, revenge, mental illness, violence, punishment, trauma, bereavement, friendship, love, and masculinity.

His name is Laurence Alison, and he's a forensic psychologist and an expert in interrogation, who's created a written and oral retelling of the classic myth. At the start of the show, Laurence shares how he's been using the story of the twelve labors of Hercules to facilitate reflection and discussion amongst military personnel and first responders, and how the labors can provide life insights for everyone. We then dig into the details of many of the labors of Hercules, from slaying a lion to cleaning out stables, and discuss what they can teach us about grappling with life's highs and lows, and what it means to be a man.

Resources Related to the Podcast

Find Laurence Alison's Hercules Retellings

The Heracles Project on the Grand Truth website
Direct access to the oral retelling of the labors of Hercules (this is an audio experience with music, sound effects, illustrations, and guided interpretative diary exercises)
Print copies of Laurence's written, illustrated retelling of the labors, as well as a novella Laurence wrote on the entire life of Hercules, are available to purchase by contacting Andrew Richmond. You can get a feel for the former book here.

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