WERE SAMSON AND HERCULES REAL?
SAMSON
Some aspects of the Israelite judge Samson’s story do not seem like they could have actually happened. The displays of Samson’s incredible strength do not seem possible. However, there may be some hidden truths in Samson’s story. It is possible that Samson was a judge of Israel and a great fighter that began the Israelites’ resistance to the Philistines. Whether or not God was involved in Samson’s life is up for debate. If God was not involved in Samson’s life, then Samson’s story may just have been exaggerated. Samson could have been a strong man that completed many heroic tasks, which were added to as his stories were passed on. The Israelites that were being dominated by the Philistines most likely embellished Samson’s life to keep their hopes up that with God they can do great things. For example, Samson could have lit foxes on fire, but it was most likely exaggerated into the tale of him lighting 300 on fire. It is improbable that Samson's strength was in his hair and the cutting of his locks led to his demise. However, it is possible that the Philistines gouged out his eyes and made him grind grain in prison. The pattern of truth and falsehood is intricately woven throughout Samson's story. Samson could have married a Philistine woman and could have been betrayed by Delilah, whereas it's improbable that he killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.
HERCULES
The details of Hercules's life are strongly focused around the gods. Samson had many instances in his story that could have just been exaggerated truths, but Hercules’s story contains more mythology. Hercules’s 12 labors often involved mythical creatures, like the nine-headed Hydra or the three-headed, six-legged monster Geryon. The gods were constantly interfering in Hercules’s life, from Hera’s continuous attempts to kill him to Athena’s assistance in scaring off carnivorous birds. These elements of Hercules’s story make it hard to accept as true or to uncover aspects that may have once been true. It is possible that Hercules was loosely based off of a historical figure, though his story must have been drastically altered over time. All in all, Samson’s story is more believable because there are many parts of his life that could have happened, though some on a smaller scale. In contrast, the majority of events in Hercules’s life are impossible and centered around mythical beings or occurences.
WHY ARE SAMSON AND HERCULES SIGNIFICANT?
SAMSON
One may wonder why Samson, with all of his flaws, was included in the Bible as a judge. After all, Samson was a violent man with an uncontrolled passion for women. Despite his physical strength, Samson’s weak morals held him back from the greatness he might have achieved if he used his gifts for good. Samson's story is marred with lust and rage. In the end, Samson was the cause of his downfall, which is a common theme in other historical and literary characters. As a result, Samson's tale has inspired operas, writings, movies, and paintings. Perhaps the Deuteronomists included Samson as a judge to show people of Jewish faith the kind of person God can make use of (Newland 110). Samson's story shows that God can work through anyone, no matter how flawed and imperfect. Samson's life is an example of the belief that God rests within all types of people. This inspiring thought can cause people to believe that they can also do God's work and that just because they are imperfect does not mean they are unworthy. The belief in oneself is a very strong thing and can lead to greatness.
In addition, the wild adventures of Samson's life would have pleased the exiles, who needed their spirits boosted with grand tales of heroic acts. Samson also could have acted as a reminder to the exiles of how Israel, blessed by God with land and wealth, had become conquered and morally weak. Like Samson, Israel was the root cause of its ruin. Samson did not nearly measure up to their past leader Joshua, which showed the exiles to be righteous, obedient, and prayerful like Joshua and unlike Samson (Newland 110).
The lessons the exiles learned from Samson's story are still applicable today. Like mentioned earlier, people can see Samson reflected in any physically strong but morally weak character that is the cause of his or her own downfall. The typical jock villain portrayed in modern teen movies have many similarities to Samson. They are usually athletic and popular with women but end up being defeated in some shape or form as a result of their own actions. An example of this would be the character Stan from the movie 17 Again with the famous actor Zac Efron. Stan is a popular basketball player and ladies' man who in the end does not have a promising future due to his flaws and irresponsible life path. There are more obvious adaptations of Samson's character, like in the movie Samson and Delilah and the song "Samson" by Regina Spektor.
Samson's story teaches people how lust and rage can ultimately lead to their demises. People have to be cautious of who they trust, unlike Samson's trust in Delilah, and rational in response to stress, unlike Samson's act of lighting 300 foxes on fire. Without a level head, the amount of strength one possesses will not matter. Samson's story is so powerful that it is still discussed and studied today. People may find new, personal meanings, connections, or lessons from Samson's life when they study it themselves.
HERCULES
Hercules was faced with many obstacles during his life. He had to fight for survival even in his own crib when threatened by Hera's snakes. Hercules endured great grief after he murdered his wife and children under Hera's influence. However, Hercules sought help from Apollo in this situation and channeled his energy into 12 labors. The tasks were challenging, but Hercules dedicated himself and found a way to achieve his goals. Hercules did not turn down the help of others, like when his nephew assisted him in defeating the nine-headed Hydra or when Prometheus and the god Atlas helped him take Hera's gift of golden apples. Hercules was a good man and delivered the apples back after completing the task, traveling a moral path. He used his gift of strength to protect people and do the right and noble thing, unlike Samson who often used his strength in a rage.
Hercules could have not performed such heroic deeds and could have acted less nobly due to his grief. Hercules's story has a positive message that good things can come out of the worst situations. If Hera had not caused Hercules to murder his family, Hercules may not have had the motivation to use his strength for good and overcome so many obstacles. Hercules also showed that reaching out for help is not shameful. He went to Apollo after he killed his family, not knowing how to react and channel his sadness. Hercules was assisted in many of his labors, showing people that it is human nature to depend on one another. Everyone needs help and guidance at times. It can be extremely beneficial to receive advice from those who are wiser or more experienced in certain aspects.
Hercules has such an inspiring story that it is still told today. He bravely overcame so many challenges in his life that society still finds ways to spread his message. In fact, the movies Hercules and The Legend of Hercules were both released in 2014 to portray the Greek demigod's life story. Of course, there is also the animated Disney version from 1997 titled Hercules. Clearly, people are still interested in the demigod's tale. It can inspire people to overcome obstacles in their own lives, showing them that any situation can be dealt with, even if it means asking for help. Hercules's life can show people today that if they are in a dark place, they can still find light. However, goals are achieved as a result of hard work, determination, and dedication. Like Hercules, if someone wants something, they have to take the steps to get it.
SAMSON vs. HERCULES
Both Samson and Hercules have special messages to portray. Though they share many similarities, the significance of their stories are vastly different. Samson is an example of how not to use one's strength. He often acted out of lust and rage, like his rash reaction to his wife being given away. In contrast, Hercules used his strength to perform heroic deeds. When Hercules's wife died, he went for help and channeled his grief into something healthy and noble. Hercules did not just rest on his strength and act selfishly or violently like Samson. Filled with similarities and differences, the stories of both figures have a message for people today. Society can still learn something and even interpret the stories in a new way centuries after they were composed.
SAMSON
Some aspects of the Israelite judge Samson’s story do not seem like they could have actually happened. The displays of Samson’s incredible strength do not seem possible. However, there may be some hidden truths in Samson’s story. It is possible that Samson was a judge of Israel and a great fighter that began the Israelites’ resistance to the Philistines. Whether or not God was involved in Samson’s life is up for debate. If God was not involved in Samson’s life, then Samson’s story may just have been exaggerated. Samson could have been a strong man that completed many heroic tasks, which were added to as his stories were passed on. The Israelites that were being dominated by the Philistines most likely embellished Samson’s life to keep their hopes up that with God they can do great things. For example, Samson could have lit foxes on fire, but it was most likely exaggerated into the tale of him lighting 300 on fire. It is improbable that Samson's strength was in his hair and the cutting of his locks led to his demise. However, it is possible that the Philistines gouged out his eyes and made him grind grain in prison. The pattern of truth and falsehood is intricately woven throughout Samson's story. Samson could have married a Philistine woman and could have been betrayed by Delilah, whereas it's improbable that he killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.
HERCULES
The details of Hercules's life are strongly focused around the gods. Samson had many instances in his story that could have just been exaggerated truths, but Hercules’s story contains more mythology. Hercules’s 12 labors often involved mythical creatures, like the nine-headed Hydra or the three-headed, six-legged monster Geryon. The gods were constantly interfering in Hercules’s life, from Hera’s continuous attempts to kill him to Athena’s assistance in scaring off carnivorous birds. These elements of Hercules’s story make it hard to accept as true or to uncover aspects that may have once been true. It is possible that Hercules was loosely based off of a historical figure, though his story must have been drastically altered over time. All in all, Samson’s story is more believable because there are many parts of his life that could have happened, though some on a smaller scale. In contrast, the majority of events in Hercules’s life are impossible and centered around mythical beings or occurences.
WHY ARE SAMSON AND HERCULES SIGNIFICANT?
SAMSON
One may wonder why Samson, with all of his flaws, was included in the Bible as a judge. After all, Samson was a violent man with an uncontrolled passion for women. Despite his physical strength, Samson’s weak morals held him back from the greatness he might have achieved if he used his gifts for good. Samson's story is marred with lust and rage. In the end, Samson was the cause of his downfall, which is a common theme in other historical and literary characters. As a result, Samson's tale has inspired operas, writings, movies, and paintings. Perhaps the Deuteronomists included Samson as a judge to show people of Jewish faith the kind of person God can make use of (Newland 110). Samson's story shows that God can work through anyone, no matter how flawed and imperfect. Samson's life is an example of the belief that God rests within all types of people. This inspiring thought can cause people to believe that they can also do God's work and that just because they are imperfect does not mean they are unworthy. The belief in oneself is a very strong thing and can lead to greatness.
In addition, the wild adventures of Samson's life would have pleased the exiles, who needed their spirits boosted with grand tales of heroic acts. Samson also could have acted as a reminder to the exiles of how Israel, blessed by God with land and wealth, had become conquered and morally weak. Like Samson, Israel was the root cause of its ruin. Samson did not nearly measure up to their past leader Joshua, which showed the exiles to be righteous, obedient, and prayerful like Joshua and unlike Samson (Newland 110).
The lessons the exiles learned from Samson's story are still applicable today. Like mentioned earlier, people can see Samson reflected in any physically strong but morally weak character that is the cause of his or her own downfall. The typical jock villain portrayed in modern teen movies have many similarities to Samson. They are usually athletic and popular with women but end up being defeated in some shape or form as a result of their own actions. An example of this would be the character Stan from the movie 17 Again with the famous actor Zac Efron. Stan is a popular basketball player and ladies' man who in the end does not have a promising future due to his flaws and irresponsible life path. There are more obvious adaptations of Samson's character, like in the movie Samson and Delilah and the song "Samson" by Regina Spektor.
Samson's story teaches people how lust and rage can ultimately lead to their demises. People have to be cautious of who they trust, unlike Samson's trust in Delilah, and rational in response to stress, unlike Samson's act of lighting 300 foxes on fire. Without a level head, the amount of strength one possesses will not matter. Samson's story is so powerful that it is still discussed and studied today. People may find new, personal meanings, connections, or lessons from Samson's life when they study it themselves.
HERCULES
Hercules was faced with many obstacles during his life. He had to fight for survival even in his own crib when threatened by Hera's snakes. Hercules endured great grief after he murdered his wife and children under Hera's influence. However, Hercules sought help from Apollo in this situation and channeled his energy into 12 labors. The tasks were challenging, but Hercules dedicated himself and found a way to achieve his goals. Hercules did not turn down the help of others, like when his nephew assisted him in defeating the nine-headed Hydra or when Prometheus and the god Atlas helped him take Hera's gift of golden apples. Hercules was a good man and delivered the apples back after completing the task, traveling a moral path. He used his gift of strength to protect people and do the right and noble thing, unlike Samson who often used his strength in a rage.
Hercules could have not performed such heroic deeds and could have acted less nobly due to his grief. Hercules's story has a positive message that good things can come out of the worst situations. If Hera had not caused Hercules to murder his family, Hercules may not have had the motivation to use his strength for good and overcome so many obstacles. Hercules also showed that reaching out for help is not shameful. He went to Apollo after he killed his family, not knowing how to react and channel his sadness. Hercules was assisted in many of his labors, showing people that it is human nature to depend on one another. Everyone needs help and guidance at times. It can be extremely beneficial to receive advice from those who are wiser or more experienced in certain aspects.
Hercules has such an inspiring story that it is still told today. He bravely overcame so many challenges in his life that society still finds ways to spread his message. In fact, the movies Hercules and The Legend of Hercules were both released in 2014 to portray the Greek demigod's life story. Of course, there is also the animated Disney version from 1997 titled Hercules. Clearly, people are still interested in the demigod's tale. It can inspire people to overcome obstacles in their own lives, showing them that any situation can be dealt with, even if it means asking for help. Hercules's life can show people today that if they are in a dark place, they can still find light. However, goals are achieved as a result of hard work, determination, and dedication. Like Hercules, if someone wants something, they have to take the steps to get it.
SAMSON vs. HERCULES
Both Samson and Hercules have special messages to portray. Though they share many similarities, the significance of their stories are vastly different. Samson is an example of how not to use one's strength. He often acted out of lust and rage, like his rash reaction to his wife being given away. In contrast, Hercules used his strength to perform heroic deeds. When Hercules's wife died, he went for help and channeled his grief into something healthy and noble. Hercules did not just rest on his strength and act selfishly or violently like Samson. Filled with similarities and differences, the stories of both figures have a message for people today. Society can still learn something and even interpret the stories in a new way centuries after they were composed.
Works Cited
“Hercules." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
New American Bible. Saint Joseph Medium Size ed. New York: Catholic Book Pub., 1992. Print.
Newland, Mary Reed, and Barbara Allaire. Written on Our Hearts: The Old Testament Story of God's Love. 3rd ed. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's, 2009. Print.
Tanski, David. "Native Americans." La Salle Academy, Providence. 4 Sept. 2014. Lecture.
“The Life and Times of Hercules." Hercules: Greece's Greatest Hero. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2 Sept. 2008. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.
New American Bible. Saint Joseph Medium Size ed. New York: Catholic Book Pub., 1992. Print.
Newland, Mary Reed, and Barbara Allaire. Written on Our Hearts: The Old Testament Story of God's Love. 3rd ed. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's, 2009. Print.
Tanski, David. "Native Americans." La Salle Academy, Providence. 4 Sept. 2014. Lecture.
“The Life and Times of Hercules." Hercules: Greece's Greatest Hero. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2 Sept. 2008. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.