Question

When he decides to follow the ghost, Hamlet says that "each petty artery in this body" is "as hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve." Look to your foot notes or an online search to explain Hamlet's allusion to Greek mythology here. Explain the Nemean lion's role in mythology and then explain why this is an interesting simile for Hamlet to use.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Nemean lion was a mythological animal in Greek myth that Hercules has to kill as his first labor. The lion's golden fur and claws were far more sharper and stronger than any mortal weapon, which makes it invincible to any mortal attack.

Likewise, Hamlet feels his fate is calling him to follow the ghost, making his "artery in his body as hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve". He is emphasizing his need for such fierce courage like the lion's, to face his father's ghost.

Explanation:

William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" revolves around the revenge plot of the young prince Hamlet for the murder of his father King Hamlet. He uses the allusion of the Greek mythological figure of Nemean to refer to the immense strength needed to face his father's ghost.

The Nemean lion was a mythological figure which Hercules had to face as his first labor. it's fierceness was such that mortals' weapons could not pierce through it's golden fur. It's claws were also sharper than any weapon of the mortals, and it could easily cut through the armor of the mortal man.

Act I scene iv shows the scene where Hamlet was beckoned by his father to approach him separately so that he will talk to him privately. This simile to compare Hamlet to the Nemean lion is to show or suggest the immense courage and strength that he will need to face his father's ghost alone. Like the mythological lion, Hamlet believes he needed to have the strength and fierceness to face the ghost of his father alone.