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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

Hercules and Plutus explained

Hercules, upon being received among the gods and dining with Jupiter, snubs Plutus, the god of wealth, by turning away and pretending not to see him.

What happens

Hercules, upon being received among the gods and dining with Jupiter, snubs Plutus, the god of wealth, by turning away and pretending not to see him. When Jupiter asks why, Hercules explains that on earth he always found Plutus in the company of scoundrels.

Themes in this chapter

  • Human Nature and Vice

    Hercules criticizes Plutus for always being found with scoundrels, highlighting the perceived moral failing of wealth.

  • Social Hierarchy and Power

    The divine banquet setting and Hercules' selective courtesy illustrate social dynamics among gods and the status of wealth.

Characters to notice

  • Hercules

    Snubs Plutus at the divine banquet, explaining his disdain based on earthly observations.

  • Jupiter

    Hosts the banquet and questions Hercules about his behavior toward Plutus.

  • Plutus

    The god of wealth, snubbed by Hercules for his association with scoundrels on earth.

Key passages

  • “When we were on earth together I always noticed that he was to be found in the company of scoundrels.”

    Hercules explains that during their time on earth, he consistently observed Plutus associating with wicked people.

    This line conveys the moral critique of wealth's alignment with vice.

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