Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #1Wonder Woman‘s roots in Greek mythology are a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of her character in DC lore. Now, DC’s Absolute Universe has doubled down on this connection as Wonder Woman’s updated backstory rewrites a classic myth. Key aspects of the demigod Herakles’ origin story are redefined in this inspired new take on Wonder Woman.
Diana’s past is explored in Absolute Wonder Woman #1 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey. Apollo gifts the witch Circe with the Amazonian infant, though she isn’t pleased about taking a child into her care. She thus leaves baby Diana to her own devices and watches as a serpent approaches her, allowing fate to play out.
However, much to Circe’s surprise, Diana grabs the serpent and tosses it aside with astounding strength. This moment replicates the story of Herakles, with this and other traits of Absolute Wonder Woman cementing her as DC’s subversive retelling of an iconic Greek tale.
Absolute Wonder Woman Subverts Classic Greek Mythology
Wonder Woman’s Beginnings Mirror the Mythological Story of Herakles
In the original mythology of Hercules – referred to as Herakles in the Greek mythology Wonder Woman hails from – the infant demigod is resting in his cradle when serpents approach him. These snakes are sent by Hera out of jealousy over Zeus having a child with a mortal, but before they can go in for the kill, the baby strangles them. Herakles’ early display of superhuman strength demonstrates his godlike power from a young age, similarly to how Diana making quick work of her own serpent proves to Circe that she possesses deep reserves of potential.
Related
Wonder Woman Welcomes Steve Trevor to DC’s New Continuity, Marking a Major Change
Steve Trevor just made his highly anticipated debut in DC’s new Absolute Universe, and his introduction subverts classic Wonder Woman lore.
The parallels between Wonder Woman and Herakles illuminate not only their similarities, but also their differences. Herakles’ Twelve Labors, which are quests he embarks on to earn immortality and join the pantheon of gods, lead him to the shores of Themyscira so he can seize Queen Hippolyta’s belt. He ends up slaughtering Hippolyta and attacking the Amazons to fulfill his mission. In the Absolute Universe, Wonder Woman’s driving goal is to reclaim her Amazon heritage after the gods stripped it away from her. While Herakles harms Amazons to attain godhood, Wonder Woman carries on the Amazons’ legacy by defending humanity on their behalf.
Queen Hippolyta from Greek mythology serves as the inspiration for DC’s Queen Hippolyta, the mother of Wonder Woman in most continuities.
Wonder Woman Becomes an Amazonian Herakles in DC’s Absolute Universe
Wonder Woman Faces Off Against Her Own Herculean Labors
Just as Herakles must contend with his famous Twelve Labors, Wonder Woman is now being faced with a gauntlet of enemies to take on as she charges into battle with her Nemesis Lasso. The Twelve Labors feature fights against monstrous foes, such as the Hydra, and this version of Wonder Woman contends with similar adversaries as she’s introduced to her new rogues gallery in the Absolute continuity. Otherworldly kaiju villains like Harbinger Prime and the deadly Tetracide mirror the supernatural creatures faced by Herakles in his conquests, further solidifying Absolute Wonder Woman as a hero of mythological proportions.
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is available now from DC Comics.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the superhero identity of Diana, Princess of the Amazons. Created on the island of Themyscira, Wonder Woman is a super-powered demi-goddess with extreme physical strength who utilizes magical gifts (like her famous Lasso of Truth) to defeat her foes. As mighty as her fellow heroes Superman and the Justice League, Wonder Woman is unmatched in her compassion and virtue.
