# Hercules — Leaves of Grass character guide

> Hercules in Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** myself, mine

**First appearance:** 0047-song-of-myself

## Who they are

Mythological hero, used as a metaphor for strength and labor.

## In the story

### [The Poet as Universal Equalizer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/41)

Listed as a grandson of Kronos and Zeus, part of the pantheon the narrator measures and surpasses.

### [The Vision of Ancient Religions and Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/6)

The strong divine young man who toiled faithfully and died.

### [Consolator Most Mild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/2)

The speaker claims the face of Hercules, linking to strength and heroic endurance.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/characters/hercules
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/characters