herculean

Where does the word "herculean" come from? It comes from Greek Herakles, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).

Herculean’s story begins in Greek: Herakles meant “the hero Heracles.” The mythical hero famed for his superhuman strength and twelve labors. It reached English by 1590s as herculean. Coined from the Latin form of the hero's name for tasks requiring immense strength. Today, herculean means requiring great strength, effort, or courage, as in a difficult task.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Herakles "the hero Heracles", the mythical hero famed for his superhuman strength and twelve labors.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1590s herculean "requiring great strength or effort", coined from the Latin form of the hero's name for tasks requiring immense strength.