Comeback Kids Episode 3: Heracles and Heroes Losing Themselves

In this episode, we're exploring stories of heroes who lost themselves in some way and had to find themselves again. We'll see how Heracles's Twelve Labors -- the things that made him one of the most famous demigods of all time -- only happened because of something he did while under a terrible curse. We'll also see how going into a frenzy makes some Norse warriors much more fearsome, and some Arthurian knights very much the opposite, and we'll hear a little about a mysterious prophecy making its way through the mythical world.

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All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales.

Transcript for Comeback Kids Episode 3

If you'd like to share your Comeback Kids story with us, get a Mortal Guardian to help you record it here!

If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!).

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Stuff to Read: 

• More on Heracles: 
  • From Mythopedia
  • A close look at the Twelve Labors
• More on Berserkers: 
  • Berserkers and Other Shamanic Warriors
  • Myths and Reality of Berserkers and Ulfhednar
• More Arthuriana: 
  • Knights
  • Lancelot

Stuff to Watch: 

•  Learn more about the stories in this episode with our curated YouTube playlist!

Cool Images: 

Bronze Hercules, 2nd century: 

Megara and Hercules, 3rd century:

Hercules constellation, by Johann Bayer (1603):

Hercules from an Italian film (1958)

Disney's Hercules and Megara (1997)

Drawing taken from a Swedish bronze plate (c. 900)

Berserker depicted as a chess piece (12th century):

"Guinevere Scorns Lancelot's Gift", George Wooliscroft Rhead and Louis Rhead (1898)

"The Madman of the Forest who was Sir Launcelot", Howard Pyle (1907)

"Sir Lancelot in His Madness", Innes Fripp (1912)

"Sir Launcelot and the Queen Talked Sadly Together", Arthur Dixon (1921)