Hercules+(Star+Cluster)

Characteristics of Astronomic Body
The __Hercules Star Cluster__, also known as Messier 13, is one of the brightest star clusters in the northern sky. It is over 25,000 light years from earth with over a hundred thousand stars making up the cluster itself.

Symbols and Duties of Mythological Figure
Perhaps the story that Hercules is most famous for is his 12 Labors. There are many storys surrounding why he had to do these tasks but the most common one is that he was made mad by the goddess Juno and in this fit of madness killed his wife and 3 children. He went to the oracle to see what he could do in order to atone for his actions (other stories say he did this to see how he could become a god). However once he died he ascended to godhood and became the guardian of Olympus. The moral of Hercules trials could be that if you give enough effort the gods shall reward you, or it could be that with enough personal effort and sacrifice you can atone for your sins.

Birth Story of Mythological
Jupiter had relations with many mortal women. One of which was Alcmena. Once baby Hercules was born Juno sent snakes after him. While some texts say that Zeus lit up the room before the snakes attacked others say that Hercules simply strangled them.

Popular Story of Mythological Figure
One of the most popular storys of Hercules was his 2nd labor. Hercules second task was to kill the Hydra a mythical beast with the body of a dog and many serpentine heads. Hercules fought with this beast, repeatedly cutting off its heads; however to no avail as they would keep regrowing. When his nephew and charioteer took a lit branch on fire and layed it over the severed head of one of the hydras causing it to not grow back. Quickly Hercules saw this and with renewed strength severed the heads of the hydra as his nephew burned them close. He returned to the one who had sent him to do this task, but alas it was considered null because he had help in it. Hercules would have 10 more trials until he had atoned for his sins.

Related Stories
Hercules 12th and final trial was to go down to Hades and bring back Cereberus. Hades begins preparing for the fight, and on the way Charon takes him down the river styx. When Hercules confronted Pluto, he said that he would let Hercules take Cereberus if he did not use his clubs or arrows. Hercules agreed to this and then a battle with Cereberus ensued. Hercules fought with the beast and beat it with his hands until it yielded.

Myth or Science Connection
Just as Hercules was one of the bravest and strongest mortals to ever live just as the __Hercules Star Cluster__ is one of the brightest star clusters in the northern sky. Hercules will be remembered for his bravery just as the __Hercules Star Cluster__ will be remembered for its brightness.