To Herakles 1

 As I said a few days ago, I wanted to write at least one hymn/prayer before the 4th day of the (Greek calendar) month. I kept trying to write the most awesome, perfect hymn/prayer, but that's what kept tripping me up. I laxed my expectations and just let things flow. Here's the result ---


Hail Herakles!
Guardian, Protector--
Glorious son of Loud-Thundering Zeus
I honor you--
Who completed the Labors,
Never retreating from a task
With determination and courage
You triumphed!
Herakles, mighty warrior
Hero-God of all of Greece,
Defender and Deliverer
Hear my prayer!  



-- Asterope

Pic of my shrine

Yesterday I put together a shine for Herakles. I wanted a place where I could light a candle, give offerings and honor his presence. It's small and simple, but I like it. Over time I'll probably add to it, little things here and there, but for now this is what I have --

I can switch out the background anytime, but I liked the brown pattern. I have a few more fancy papers, but this one fit the most. Some of the others are more...girly. LOL. The silver bowl is for any offerings/libations I may leave. The rest is pretty explanatory. I don't have a statue, so I had to make do with a print-out of him. This one is one of my favorites, it's of Herakles Farnese. I actually found a $40 replica of this particular one that I'm putting on a list for possible purchases: Farnese Hercules Bonded Marble Statue.

:o)

Alexicacus - Ἀλεξίκακος

Averter of Evil.
Epithet of Zeus, Apollon and Herakles.

When I first read this epithet, I assumed it referred to the fact that Herakles rid the world of monsters and other unsavory types during his Labors and life. I thought the "evil" referred to was of a more obvious sort (foes, enemies, etc). I had no idea that it had other associations. It seems that Herakles, under the epithet of Alexicacus, was associated with health and other curative aspects. He was an averter of disease and plague. He even had a number of healing shrines and springs where people gave thanks for cures received and prayed for continued health. The epithet allows for both associations (health/curative and protecting/defending against enemies/foes), which is cool.

I wrote a short prayer/invocation after learning this --

Hail Herakles!
Mighty son of Zeus and Alcmene
I pray to you. 
Alexikakos, Averter of Evil, 
Preserve me from all misfortune and ills!
Strong one, protector of mankind,
may you be triumphant!

It's not the best, but I wanted to write something. Perhaps as I get to know him more, I'll have a better, more personal piece. :-)


Links of interest:
Herakles and Healing Cult in the Peloponnesos
Averters of Evil
Google Book's preview: Horos Dios: an Athenian shrine and cult of Zeus (has section about Herakles Alexicacus)
Votive relief 

Adorations to Herakles

Originally posted on my other blog, Dua Khonsu. See: For the Theban Three...: Adorations - Herakles. I'll leave it there, because some links would go dead if I deleted it, but I thought I should post it here as well.


This post is off-topic, but I don't have another active blog to post this on at the moment. I have been reading about Herakles lately and learning about him. I don't have a relationship with him or any experiences yet, but I have, in my research, come across many epithets and descriptions about him that I thought could be written into this--

I adore You, Lion-Hearted 1
I adore You, Strong One
I adore You, Snake-Strangler
I adore You, Averter of Evil 2
I adore You, Guardian
I adore You, Protector (of Mankind)
I adore You, Skillful One
I adore You, Savior 3
I adore You, Wide-Roaming
I adore You, Warrior
I adore You, Unconquered
I adore You, Leader of the March 4
I adore You, Huntsman 5
I adore You, Club-bearer 6
I adore You, Lion-robed
I adore You, Masculine One
I adore You, Resilient
I adore You, Slayer of Monsters and Beasts
I adore You, Completer of the Labors
I adore You, Solitary One 7
I adore You, Champion 8
I adore You, Triumphant 9
I adore You, Guardian of the Gate 10
I adore You, Bright-Eyed 11
I adore You, Olympian
I adore You, Hero-God 12
I adore You, Glorious One
I adore You, Son of Zeus and Alcmene
I adore You, Ancestor 13
I adore You, Founder of Cities
I adore You, Mighty
I adore You, Gatekeeper of Olympos
I adore You, Passionate One
I adore You, Deliverer
I adore You, Of the Cavern
I adore You, Full of Courage
I adore You, Full of Strength
I adore You, Full of Discipline
I adore You, Wrestler 14
I adore You, Horse-Binder 15
I adore You, Slaughterer
I adore You, Healer
I adore You, Unbroken One
I adore You, Defender 16
I adore You, Victorious
I adore You, Fighter
I adore You, Raging One
I adore You, Of Thebes 17
I adore You, Marksman
I adore You, Archer
I adore You, Greatest
I adore You, Herakles.



Also linked on TheHouseofVines "I am really adoring all of these Adorations posts" -- check out the entry for tons more awesome adorations!

1 Leontothymos
2 Alexikakos
3 Soter
4 Promachus
5 Kynagidas
6 Korunephoros
7 Monoikos
8 Promakhos
9 Kallinikos
10 Propylaios
11 Kharops
12 Heros Theos
13 Patroos
14 Palaimôn
15 Hippodetos
16 Parastatês
17 Thêbaios