Heracles the philosopher (1)

Text
Malalas, Chronicle 1.14:
Zeus had intercourse with the Theban Alkmene, the wife of Amphitryon, and had another son by her, named Heracles son of Alkmene, and also known as Triesperos. He was the first to practice philosophy in the regions of Hesperia, that is, in the West. Members of his family deified him after his death and called a star in the heavens after him, the star known as Heracles’ Tunic. They picture him as wearing a lion-skin, carrying a club and holding three apples - about which they recount a myth, saying that he stole the three apples when he slew the dragon with his club; that is, he conquered the seductive thoughts of evil desire with the club of philosophy, girt with a valiant mind as if with a lion-skin, and in this way he made off with the three apples, that is, the three virtues of freedom from anger, freedom from avarice and freedom from sensuality. For with the club of the steadfast soul and the lion-skin of resolute and chaste thought, he was victorious in the earthly struggle with base desire, and practised philosophy until his death. … What has been said allegorically about Heracles has been stated by Theophilos, the most learned chronicler.

Source (list of abbreviations)
Malalas, Chronicle 1.14

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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