Skip to main content

The myth of Hercules: 12 labors in 8-bits - Alex Gendler

7,294,618 Views

22,953 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Hercules — son of Zeus and champion of humankind — stricken with a temporary curse of madness, has just committed the most unspeakable crime imaginable. Seeking to atone for the deaths of his family, Hercules must complete twelve impossible tasks that pit him against invincible monsters and unfathomable forces. Alex Gendler retells this epic series of adventures.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Being an oral legend, various versions of the Labors of Hercules tend to differ in the details. Check out one of the original Greek written sources and compare it to a more modern summary, complete with ancient illustrations.

Read more about the significance that Hercules’s story held for the ancient Greeks and what lessons it may hold for us.

Next Section »

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Jeff Le Bars, Jérémie Balais
  • Narrator Adrian Dannatt
  • Animator Jeff Le Bars, Jérémie Balais
  • Composer Raphaël Pibarot
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox, Jessica Ruby
  • Writer Alex Gendler
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez

More from Myths From Around the World