The fight of Hercules with the river - god Achelous
by Antigoni Toli
Agrinion is the link between the two regions called Aetolia and Akarnania.In ancient times the city was built near the banks of Achelous river which was the natural border between Aetolia and Akarnania. The emblem of the city, the city's official seal, is inspired by a myth that has survived since antquity. It depicts the fight of Hercules with the river - god Achelous.
When Hercules descended to Hades to fetch Cerberus, he met the soul of Aetolean hero Meleagrus. Meleagrus ashed him a favour to take care of his sister princess Deianera of Calydon and to marry her. However the river-god also wanted to marry Deianeira. Achelous was a strange creature who appeared in the forms of a bull, a snake or a human with the head of a bull. Unfortunately for him Deianera did not want to marry him and so she was trying to find a way to avoid this marriage. When Hercules returned to earth, he went to Calydon in order to fulfill his promise to Meleagrus. However in order to claim the bride for himself, he had to fight with Achelous, who appeared in the form of a bull.
They fought for a long time until Hercules managed to break one of his horns. After this Achelous was considered as defeated. Before leaving he asked from Hercules to give his horn back. In exchange he gave to Hercules the horn of Amaltheia; a horn that provided its owner with an unlimied supply of food and drinks. Hercules and Deianeira got married and lived in Calydon with their four sons.
In the centre of the biggest square of Agrinion, 'Democracy Square' as well in the most beautiful square of Agrinion 'Sidrivani Square' one can see the floor mosaic emblem with the representation of the battle of Hercules and Achelous. There is also a bronze representation of the emblem on the city hall too. The are all placed in the busiest and most vibrant parts of the city in order to remind us our local history. Last but not least the respresentation of the battle is also the city's official seal and therefore is depicted on all formal documents of the municipality.
by Antigoni Toli
Agrinion is the link between the two regions called Aetolia and Akarnania.In ancient times the city was built near the banks of Achelous river which was the natural border between Aetolia and Akarnania. The emblem of the city, the city's official seal, is inspired by a myth that has survived since antquity. It depicts the fight of Hercules with the river - god Achelous.
When Hercules descended to Hades to fetch Cerberus, he met the soul of Aetolean hero Meleagrus. Meleagrus ashed him a favour to take care of his sister princess Deianera of Calydon and to marry her. However the river-god also wanted to marry Deianeira. Achelous was a strange creature who appeared in the forms of a bull, a snake or a human with the head of a bull. Unfortunately for him Deianera did not want to marry him and so she was trying to find a way to avoid this marriage. When Hercules returned to earth, he went to Calydon in order to fulfill his promise to Meleagrus. However in order to claim the bride for himself, he had to fight with Achelous, who appeared in the form of a bull.
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| Floor Mosaic |
They fought for a long time until Hercules managed to break one of his horns. After this Achelous was considered as defeated. Before leaving he asked from Hercules to give his horn back. In exchange he gave to Hercules the horn of Amaltheia; a horn that provided its owner with an unlimied supply of food and drinks. Hercules and Deianeira got married and lived in Calydon with their four sons.
 |
| The City Hall |
In the centre of the biggest square of Agrinion, 'Democracy Square' as well in the most beautiful square of Agrinion 'Sidrivani Square' one can see the floor mosaic emblem with the representation of the battle of Hercules and Achelous. There is also a bronze representation of the emblem on the city hall too. The are all placed in the busiest and most vibrant parts of the city in order to remind us our local history. Last but not least the respresentation of the battle is also the city's official seal and therefore is depicted on all formal documents of the municipality.
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