OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation · J199
Paper 1
The transformation or elevation of a mortal into a god.
Revise: GreeceThe poem moves from earthly wandering and suffering to the beautiful dwelling of ‘snowy Olympus’, where Heracles enjoys life with Hebe. This presents his apotheosis: the former earthly hero now belongs among the gods. Hebe’s companionship reinforces the contrast between his earlier hardships and his present happiness.
- Revise: Rome
A transformation in which a person becomes a god; Hercules’ apotheosis follows the destruction of his mortal body on the funeral pyre.