Friday, May 22, 2020

Share Price Earnings Ratio And Foreign Exchange Rate Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2709 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Cause and effect essay Did you like this example? The stock market has become an important market which plays a vital role in the economy that develops capital formation and sustaining economic growth. Stock market is a listing stock and a statistic reflecting the composite value of its components. It is used to represent of its characteristics of its component of stocks, in which it have the same commonality such as trading in the same stock market, belong in same industry or having similar market capitalization. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Share Price Earnings Ratio And Foreign Exchange Rate Finance Essay" essay for you Create order In the securities market, either primary or secondary market, the price of equity is influenced by a number of factors such as the dividend per share and earnings per share (Gompers, Ishii and Metrick 2003). With the movement of the equitys prices, it will subsequently affect the stock market index performance in a country. Stock market indices are used as indicators for the performance of the stock market as a whole. A stock market index can be based on a stock exchange or on only a sample of stocks. Stock index is the general behaviour of stock prices by measuring the current price behaviour of representative group of stocks in relation to a base value set at an earlier point time. The indices can simply computed on the simple average closing price basis while others are derived using a weighted average method. In Bursa Malaysia, all the indices were calculated electronically on minute by minute basis which are made it available immediately to stock broking companies and o ther real time market information subscribers. BACKGROUND OF STUDY In this study, it will determine the correlation of earnings per share (EPS), price-earnings ratio (P/E Ratio) as well the foreign exchange rate (USD/MYR) with the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) performance. It is subsequently important for this research to be conducted in order to give some thoughts and idea, perhaps to the manager and investor in making decision. On the other hand, there are many investors sometimes make speculation on the stock market which regard bearing huge losses. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT This study is to determine the relationship between the macroeconomic variable which is foreign exchange rate (USD/MYR) and fundamental variables (EPS and P/E Ratio) with the stock market index in Malaysia market, which is the KLCI. OBJECTIVE OF STUDY This study will attempt to identify the most influencing factors or determinants towards the changes on Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI). The main objectives of this study are: To determine the significance correlation between the macroeconomics variables and the sector market index performance that will be measured through Bursa Malaysia sector index which are KLCI with the selected macroeconomic variable which are the Foreign Exchange Rate (USD/MYR) and the fundamental variables which are Earning Per Share (EPS) and Price-Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio) To provide evidence regarding the relationships of macroeconomic variables and the stock market index in Malaysia market so that all of the information can give new knowledge about this matter. LIMITATION OF STUDY This study is based on the data collected from the secondary sources. This has produced a difficulty in finding the appropriate data, journals and articles. The information needed is not easy to access due to unavailability of the data especially during the using of Internet services. Some of the information is unpublished through the online network. Besides, the data gained is also not updated. SIGNIFICANT OF STUDY To complement the past literature in this area to provide knowledge about this matter. To help the investors to predict the future stock market movement from the past data gathered. To help better understanding about the importance of the correlation between the macroeconomic and fundamental variables with the stock market index, KLCI. SCOPE OF STUDY The scope of this study would cover the Bursa Malaysia stock market index that include Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) of the company listed in the Bursa Malaysia and also the selected fundamental variables (EPS and P/E Ratio) and the macroeconomic variable, foreign exchange rate (USD/MYR). Time horizon of this study is cross-sectional studies, which the data will be gathered just once over a period. This study will use the monthly basis data from the year 1997 until 2007 as a time frame for this study. The selection on the 10-year duration of time frame as there is different market sentiment happened during the period for instance the financial crisis. It would be a good comparison to see the absolute correlation between the variables with different market condition. DEFINITION OF TERMS KLCI Kuala Lumpur Composite Index The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) is a capitalization-weighted stock market index introduced in 1986. Previously, it is known as the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) that consists of approximately the top 100 companies which listed on the Malaysia bourse. Currently, it is now known as the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI which was implemented on the 6th of July 2009 that comprises the largest 30 companies listed on the Malaysian Main Market by full market capitalization that meet the eligibility requirements of the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Index Ground Rules. Basically, the KLCI is used to provide a performance indicator for the share prices in the Malaysian market. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share (EPS) generally is considered the single most important variable in determining a shares price. Besides, it is also a major component of the price-to-earning valuation ratio. The EPS shows the amount of money to which a shareholder would be entitled in the event of the companys liquidation and it is only applies to common shares. EPS serves as an indicator of a companys profitability, which a portion of companys profit allocated to each outstanding share of common share. Basically, EPS can be calculated by dividing a companys total earnings by the number of outstanding shares. Bursa Malaysia Bursa Malaysia is a stock exchanged located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where equities, derivatives, and other financial securities are trade on a daily basis. It operates a fully-integrated exchange, offering the complete range of exchange-related service including trading, clearing, settlement and depository services. Today, Bursa Malaysia is one of the largest bourses in Asia with just under 1,000 listed companies offering a wide range of investment opportunities to the investors. Companies are listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Main Market and ACE Market. Bursa Malaysia is committed to maintain an efficient, secure and active trading market in assisting the development and enhancement of the Malaysian capital market. Price-Earnings Ratio Price-Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio) is short for the ratio of a companys share price to its per-share earnings. For the calculation of the P/E, it may be calculated simply by taking the current stock price of a company and divide by its earnings per share (EPS). Most of the time, the P/E is calculated using the EPS from the last four quarters. Companies that are not profitable may probably have a negative EPS, pose a challenge when it comes to calculating their P/E. Theoretically, a stocks P/E will tells how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. Historically, the average P/E ratio in the market has been around 15-25. This fluctuates significantly depending on the economic conditions. If the P/E is on the higher side when compared to the industry averages, it means the market is expecting some positive events from the company as far as earnings are concern Foreign Exchange Rate (USD/MYR) The foreign exchange rate specifies between two currencies on how much one currency is worth in terms of the other. In this study, the measurement used is RM per unit of US$. The US$ rates used are the average of buying and selling on inter-bank rates. ORGANIZATION OF PROJECT PAPER This project paper consists of few chapters that come with various parts under each of the chapters. The following are the contents of each chapters covered in this project paper: Chapter 1: Introduction, Background of Study, Problem Statement, Objective of Study, Limitation of Study, Scope of Study, Significant of Study and Definition of Terms. Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework. Chapter 3: Research Methodology and Data Analysis, Data Sampling and Data Collection. CHAPTER 2 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW An efficient capital market suggest that the security prices will adjust rapidly to the arrival of new information, and therefore the current security prices fully reflect all available information. The semi-strong efficient market hypotheses asserts that security prices adjust rapidly to the release of all public information that includes all non-market information such as earnings and dividends announcement, price to earnings (P/E) ratios, dividend yield ratios, price book value ratios, stock splits, news about the economy and political news ( Reilly and Brown, 2006). According to Gompers, Ishii and Metrick, 2003, in the securities market which comprise of the primary and secondary market, the movement of the stocks price is influenced by the factors that include dividend per share, earnings per share and also the price earnings ratio. It shows that these variables subsequently have correlation to the stock market index performance. Basu (1977) found that there is a relatio nship exists between historical PE ratios and the subsequent risk adjusted stock market performance. Such relationship runs against the semi strong form EMH as it suggests that investors could employ publicly available PE ratios to predict future rates of return. Maghyereh (2002) investigated the long-run relationship between the Jordanian stock prices and selected macroeconomic variables, again by using Johansens (1988) cointegration analysis and monthly time series data for the period from January 1987 to December 2000. The study showed that macroeconomic variables were re ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¡ected in stock prices in the Jordanian capital market. The impact from both factors for instance the micro and macro-economics have significant relationship on equity pricing in the stock market which subsequently affect the performance of the stock market index. Corwin, 2003 said that declining dividends and earnings in the market may have negative impact on equity pricing and vi ce-versa. According to Maysami, Lee and Mohamad (2004), the stock prices should reflect expectations about future profit and corporate profit generally reflect the level of economic activities. If the stock prices accurately reflect this underlying fundamental, then the stock prices should be employed as leading indicators for future economic activities and not the way around. Therefore the study on the causal relations among the macroeconomic variables and stock prices are important in the formulation of the nations macroeconomic variables. Islam (2003) conducted the studies in examining the short run dynamic adjustment and long term equilibrium relationships between the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index and the selected macroeconomic variables (interest rates, exchange rates, inflation rates and industrial productivity). He found that the existence of the short runs (dynamic) and the stable long run (equilibrium) relationships between stock returns of Kuala Lumpur stock market an d that selected macroeconomic variables by using the monthly data from January 1990 to June 2002. Kasman (2003) investigated the relationship between stock prices and exchange rates by using high-frequency data of exchange rates and aggregate stock indices of Turkey. His result indicate that the existence of long run stable relationship between stock indices and exchange rates. Through the employment of Hendrys (1986) approach which allows making inferences to the short-run relationship between macroeconomic variables as well as the long-run adjustment to equilibrium, they analysed the influence of interest rate, inflation, money supply, exchange rate and real activity, along with a dummy variable to capture the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In a study of the impact of dividend and earnings on stock prices, Hartone (2004) argues that a significantly positive impact is made on equity prices if positive earnings information occurs after negative dividend informat ion. Also, a significantly negative impact occurs in equity pricing if positive dividend information is followed by negative earning information. Docking and Koch (2005) discovers that there is a direct relationship between dividend announcement and equity price behavior. Al-Qenae, Li Wearing (2002) in their study of the effects of earning (micro-economic factor), and interest rate (macro-economic factors) on the stock prices on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, discovered that the macro-economic factors significantly impact stock prices negatively. 2.1 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK There is a classical theory that explained the correlation between the macroeconomic and fundamental variables with the stock market index, KLCI. This study tries to look at the possibility of the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables in Malaysia market. Dependent variable: Bursa Malaysia Stock Index: FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. Independent variables: EPS, P/E Ratio and Exchange Rates (USD/MYR). To be clearly seen, below is the schematic diagram to show the relationship between the dependent and independent variables: Figure 1: Relationship Diagram Independent Variables Dependent Variable Earnings Per Share FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI P/E Ratio Foreign Exchange Rate Base on the schematic diagram above, it can be elaborated that the performance of FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI are determined by the earnings per share (EPS), price-earnings ratio (P/E Ratio) and the foreign exchange rate (USD/MYR). The dependent variable (FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI) will reflect in any changes in independent variables (EPS, P/E Ratio and foreign exchange rate (USD/MYR). CHAPTER 3 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Introduction After gathering all the information from introduction and literature review, it may now proceed with the methodology and data that need to be discovered deeply. Perhaps, it is to get the accurate information from the real sources. To achieve this, it needs to know and understand the study very well and explore the appropriate method for the research. Data Analysis The statistical tool that will be used in this study is the Multiple Linear Regression Model as well as the t-test analysis from the SPSS software to identify the correlation and relationship between the independent variables with the dependent variable. Multiple Linear Regression Model aids in understanding how much of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by a set of predictors. This type of analysis is also to trace the sequential previous that cause the dependent variable through path analysis. With that, this model is more appropriate to be used since it can explain the correlation between the dependent and independent variables much better. Besides that, the t-test analysis will be use as a test of the hypothesis generated that the difference between the two responses measured on the same statistical unit. In this research, there will be three hypotheses to be tested using the regression to see whether it is applicable in FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, which are: Hypothesis 1 H0: There is no significant correlation between EPS and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. H1: There is a significant correlation between EPS and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. Hypothesis 2 H0: There is no significant correlation between P/E Ratio and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. H1: There is a significant correlation between P/E Ratio and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. Hypothesis 3 H0: There is no significant correlation between foreign exchange rate and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. H1: There is a significant correlation between foreign exchange rate and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. 3.1 DATA SAMPLING This study will focus on the performance of the Malaysian stock market index, which currently known as the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) between the year 1997 to 2007 in monthly basis. Prior to the year 2009, the KLCI is basically consists of approximately the top 100 companies which listed on the Malaysia bourse. On 6th of July 2009, the KLCI was transformed into the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI. It consists of the 30 largest companies by market capitalization instead of the previous 100 stocks in the KLCI. Despite the change, KLCI will still continue to be the index for the Malaysian stock market. The sample of this study would be the fundamental variables, which are the average EPS and P/E ratio to the KLCI as well as the macroeconomic variable, foreign exchange rate from the duration selected. 3.2 DATA COLLECTION Data concerning on the macroeconomic and fundamental variables and the Bursa Malaysia stock index will be gathered to see whether there are any correlation between these variables with the performance of KLCI as being the main objective of this study. The secondary data regarding the index will be collected from the Bank Negara Malaysia includes the stock market index, KLCI. For the independent variables that include foreign exchange rates, earnings per share and price-earnings ratio, the data will be collected from Monthly Statistical Bulletin published by Bank Negara Malaysia, OSK Investment Bank Database and also from the DataStream Tool.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

The Success Of Southwest Airline Company Essay - 801 Words

This week’s case study is regarding the success of Southwest Airline Company. It was interesting to read and see the success of Southwest uncovered. Reading these case studies it brings a different approach to management. With this case, it shows how we have to be brave enough to step out of the normal and go with our passion and calling in life. Herbert Kelleher was not your typical CEO. It was fun, outgoing, witty and goofy. 1. a. Airline customers are segmented in different groups: airlines must use the following criteria in order to target their specific customers: identifiability, size, accessibility, growth potential, and absence of vulnerability to competition: i. Visit friends traveler ii. Independent traveler iii. Senior Traveler iv. Business b. Southwest would try to market to all of them. However, would not appeal to the bigger business owners. I would assume your higher companies they would want prefer first class with extended options. 2. The decision to increase expansion on long hauls I think was a great idea. It not only open the door to become profitable but also help keep their customers happy. Not everyone needed to fly short distance. The only drawback I see is that the flights are uncomfortable and no food after five hours can cause passengers to get cranky. However, if it is at half the price than you know what you are signing up for. 3. In spite of Southwest, employees being in a union it works for their company. They work with theirShow MoreRelatedLeadership of Southwest Airlines1148 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership of Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines is often a modeled by other companies for its organizational structure. Organizations that have an effective management team are successful in developing a strong organizational culture, utilizing managerial controls, and leveraging diversity. Effective management teams are developed by cultivating leadership skills in those that supervise the company’s associates. Organizations want managers that can motivate their associates to achieve theRead MoreSouthwest Airlines Intellectual Assets Analysis1144 Words   |  5 PagesSouthwest Airlines Intellectual Assets Introduction Southwest Airlines Company (Southwest Airlines or ‘the Company’ SWA) is a passenger airline that provides scheduled passenger and freight transportation services. The Company primarily provides scheduled services throughout the US and near-international markets. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and employs 48,000 people and serves over one hundred million customers annually (â€Å"Southwest,† 2015). Southwest Airlines has accumulated over fortyRead MoreTurnaround at Southwest Airlines797 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Southwest Airlines is one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States, with over 3400 flights every day from 64 domestic destinations. Since 2011, Southwest Airlines is the airline that â€Å"carries the most domestic passengers of any US airline† (Scheduled passengers carried, 2011). The major factor that contributes to the success of Southwest Airlines and makes it different from the other airlines is its approach in designing and managing the processes. Measuring capacityRead MoreSouthwest Airlines : Business Planning And Operational Budgeting997 Words   |  4 PagesEvery successful company must have some reasons on its behind. There is no exception to the Southwest Airlines. To analyze this great carrier company we need to dig deeper on its core value and the best practice Southwest Airlines has done. Their first core value is keeping their employees happy. Because only employees with nice attitude can provide best service to customers and keep company benefit. According to this, Southwest Airlines’ practice is their operating structure. The organization ofRead MoreCase Study Questions and Answers on Southwest Airlines1155 Words   |  5 Pagesneeds, esteem needs and self-actualization needs. The company has developed a reputation as a good place to work, and one of the reasons why is because it meets more of these needs than most airlines do. This is part of the companys competitive advantage. Southwest is a low-cost airline that attempts to make up for some of the shortcomings in the customer experience that come with a low-cost barrier by providing superior service. The company rightly believes that superior service is more likelyRead MoreOperational Overview Of Southwest Airlines881 Words   |  4 PagesOperational Overview Southwest Airlines is a passenger airline company that arranges and provides scheduled flights for passenger and transportation freight services. The company mainly provides, low-fare, point-to-point services all over the US and near-international markets. The headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas and as of December 2014, the company employed over 46,278 people. The company was founded by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher in 1971. Southwest was the first airline to introduce the frequentRead MoreOrganizational Culture and Change in Southwest Airlines1426 Words   |  6 PagesOrganizational culture and change in Southwest Airlines Organizational Culture and Change Introduction Organizations like the Southwest Airlines all have a culture, which demonstrates how the organization works and usually acts as its motivational tool. An organizational culture is important to the organization, as it is the major element in helping attain the organizations goals and objectives. Cultures in organizations are vast, with different organizations adopting their own type of cultureRead MoreSouthwest Airlines Corp. Culture1727 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction In this paper I have researched in to Southwest Airline, I have focused to write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which I will, determine how Southwest Airlines’ corporate culture differs from other airlines. I will then analyze three (3) ways that Southwest’s unique culture has benefited the airline and its employees and eventually I will speculate how Southwest Airlines would continue to thrive as a company if its current corporate culture would need to change in the nearRead MoreControl Mechanism1416 Words   |  6 PagesSouthwest Airlines: Control Mechanisms Southwest Airlines is a dynamic organization that is researched and studied by many. One reason for this attention is the positive corporate culture. This culture attracts dynamic people to the organization who are encouraged to be innovative and grow as leaders while supporting and promoting the mission of the airline. This culture was established through effective planning, organizing and leadership. To maintain this culture and the success of the airlineRead MoreSouthwest Airlines Company and Industry Analysis1041 Words   |  5 PagesSouthwest Airlines is a major airline company operating in the United States. The company was founded in 1967 in Houston, Texas by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. The company’s vision was a low-cost, no-frills airline that was safe, affordable, and fun. Out of that vision, and following and arduous inception, the company has become one of the largest U.S, airlines, getting more travelers to their destinations than any other U.S. airline, an d making a profit while doing it. Southwest Airlines

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Hercules Essay Free Essays

string(172) " King Augeas had the most cattle in the country and the thought of someone cleaning the stables in one day was assumed to be impossible, that is until Hercules came along\." Adrianna Barnhart Mrs. Browning Blk. 6 English 10 9-19-12 The Story of Hercules [pic][pic][pic] Hercules, aka Herakles, was a buff god. We will write a custom essay sample on Hercules Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now He was the god of power. His father Zeus was the god of the skies, his mother a mortal, making Hercules a demigod. Alcmene, Hercules mother, wasn’t the wife of Zeus, Hera the goddess of earth was, and she was livid. In fact, Hera was so livid she threatened the baby’s life by sending in to Hercules crib two serpents. According to the legend, the serpents were sent in to strangle the baby, but Hercules just sat up wrapped his baby hands around their necks strangling them. His failure to die in this scenario would affect him for years to come. (Carr, Karen PhD) Hera was determined to make Hercules’ life hell for being born and killing her prized snakes, so when Hercules married and had two kids, she sought it a good time to make Hercules, literally, crazy. She summoned madness on him, causing him to lose his mind and kill his wife and children. When he came back to his normal state, he was upset to see his love along with his children lifeless in their home. He sent for Apollo to help him rid his woes. Apollo told him in order to liberate him from his sins, Hercules had to report to King Eurystheus and partake in 10 labors. Hercules, wanting be released from his depravities, walks to King Eurystheus’ palace, ready to perform his first task. (Carr, Karen PhD) His first mission was to kill The Nemean Lion, and bring King Eurystheus the hide. The Nemean Lion lived in Nemea, where he terrorized the hills and villages with the area. He hiked for a long time until he eventually stopped in a town known as Cleonae, where he stayed with a man named Molorchus. Under the company of Hercules, Molorchus proposed the suggestion of sacrificing an animal for a good hunt. Intrigued by the idea, Hercules recommended that they wait 30 days for Hercules to come back, where they would sacrifice the animal to Zeus; however, if Hercules didn’t return, Molorchus would sacrifice the animal to him, the man who died a hero. With the plan intact, Hercules left for Nemea. Hercules arrived in Nemea and located the lion. He soon found his arrows were pointless against the lion so he would need to find a better strategy. He followed the lion to a cave with two entrances; he blocked one with sticks and stones and went inside through the other. Without any hesitation, he threw his arms around the lion and strangled him. He then headed back to Cleonae and caught up to Molorchus on the 30th day, where they sacrificed to Zeus together. (The Nemean Lion) After the sacrifice, Hercules went back to Mycenae to deliver the lion to King Eurystheus. The king impressed and frightened Hercules completed the labor, built himself a little room made of bronze under his palace, so Hercules couldn’t reach him. He then banished Hercules from the city and started giving him tasks through a herald. (The Nemean Lion) His second duty was a bit more challenging. Hercules was required to slay the Lernean Hydra. The hydra lived in the swamps of Lernea, where it enjoyed bullying the townspeople. A hydra is a poisonous serpent with eight mortal heads and one immortal head and when one head is chopped off two grow back in its place. Knowing the assignment was nearly impossible, he acquired help from his trusty nephew Iolaus. When they reached the monster, Hercules went straight up and bashed it in the head with his club. He discovered the hydra wouldn’t die from chopping its heads off, so he told Iolaus to torch the neck of the hydra after Hercules cut it off. They continued this strategy until the last head came off. When it came down to the immortal head, Hercules buried it in the ground then laid a boulder on top of the dirt. They then traveled back to Mycenae to tell the king, however, Eurystheus wouldn’t accept this labor because Hercules had help. (The Lernean Hydra) Disappointed, Hercules waited for his new orders. King Eurystheus wanted the Hind of Ceryneia. A hind is a female, red deer and this one had gold horns and bronze hooves. This hind was Diana’s prized possession, so killing the deer was not an option. Hercules hunted the deer for a year before finally receiving the opportunity to trap her. The deer stopped for a drink of water, and at the opportune moment, Hercules shot her. As he was taking the hind to Mycenae, he ran in to Apollo and Diana. Diana was upset that Hercules had shot her deer, but before she confiscated it, Hercules told her the truth, so she instead healed the deer’s wounds and sent Hercules on his way to King Eurystheus. The Hind of Ceryneia Diana’s Pet Deer) With the completion of the 3rd task, it was time for Hercules to complete his 4th. Hercules had to deliver King Eurystheus the Erymanthian Boar alive. The boar lived on a mountain Erymanthus that attacked men and animals all over the countryside destroying everything in its path. Just to clarify, the boar attacked the men and stuff, not the mountain. Anyway, Hercules, after witnessing his friend Chiron die, found the boar and chased it all around the mountain. He chased the boar until it ran into the undergrowth where the boar became trapped in the snow. Hercules stabbed the boar with his spear then carried it on his shoulders to Mycenae. The king scared once more, hid himself in his little bronze room under his palace. (The Erymanthian Boar) As Hercules accomplished things that no normal man could, King Eurystheus started hiding much more often. Wanting to not be scared for once, he assigned Hercules the responsibility of cleaning the Stables of Augeas. King Augeas had the most cattle in the country and the thought of someone cleaning the stables in one day was assumed to be impossible, that is until Hercules came along. You read "Hercules Essay" in category "Essay examples" Hercules, without talking to Eurystheus, made his way to King Augeas and told him he would clean his stables in one day if Augeas would pay him 1/10 of his cattle. King Augeas agreed, and Hercules got to work. He started by tearing a big hole in the in the cattle yard then ripping another in the opposite wall. Next, he dug two trenches that connected to two different rivers that flowed by. The water rushed in the hole of the cattle yard and out the other carrying out the stinky mess. He then plugged the holes and went to get his payment. However, King Augeas refused to give Hercules the reward and told him to take it to court. Hercules did and had Augeas’ son testify that he promised the reward, the court ruled Augeas to pay him. Flustered, King Augeas paid Hercules then banished Hercules and his son from the city. Hercules went back to Mycenae to tell King Eurystheus the good news, but was instead disappointed to find the king not validating the task because he was paid. (The Augean Stables Hercules Cleans Up) For the 6th labor, Hercules was told to shoo away the Stymphalian Birds that gathered at the lake of Stymphalos. It is undefined whether or not these birds were man-eating. Hercules not quite sure how to get rid of the birds is saved by Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war strategy, gave him a pair of bronze Krotala, which are noise making clappers. Hercules gladly accepted the gift and went on with his journey. Once he was near the lake of Stymphalos, he began climbing the adjacent mountain. At the top of the mountain, he clapped the Krotala then shot at the birds as they took off. He then returned to Mycenae for his next set of instructions. (The Stymphalian Birds) His 7th set of orders, bring the Cretan Bull. The Cretan bull was sent as a sacrifice from Poseidon to Minos, the king of Crete. In order to keep his throne, he promised Poseidon he would sacrifice any animal he sent him. Poseidon sent this bull however; Minos thought it was too beautiful to kill, so he sacrificed a different one. Outraged, Poseidon cursed Minos’ wife to fall in love with the bull, and when she birthed a Minotaur, Minos concealed him in the Labyrinth. Hercules easily located the bull, wrestled it, and then brought it back to King Eurystheus. The king let it go where it wandered around and terrorized Greece for most of its life. The Cretan Bull) His 8th task came and Hercules once more had it completed. He was told to steal the man-eating horses of Diomedes. Determined to become one step closer to freedom, Hercules sailed with a posse of volunteers across the Augean sea to Bistonia. He and his companions took on those guarding the horses, easily defeating them; they attempted to steal the horses. At the si ght of the thieves, a gang of Bistonian soldiers flanked the group, but their efforts were proven pointless when Hercules and the rest of the group fled for Mycenae along with the horses. Once Hercules delivered the horses, King Eurystheus let the mares free where they were eaten by wild beasts. (The Man-Eating Horses of Diomedes) For his 9th, Hercules was sent to retrieve the belt of Hippolyte, the queen of the Amazons. The Amazons were a tribe of women soldiers named after the Greek word meaning â€Å"missing one breast. † They received this name when a soldier’s right breast got in the way of her spear. Queen Hippolyte’s belt was a leather one, worn for carrying her spear and sword, given to her by Ares. Eurystheus wanted the belt as a birthday present for his daughter. Hercules and friends sailed for the land of the Amazons, when they arrived, Hippolyte arrived to greet them. She and Hercules began talking and when he told her why he needed her belt she agreed to give it to him. However, Hera was on the island too. She told all the Amazons Hercules was here to kidnap the queen. When Hercules saw he was under attack, he drew his sword and killed the queen, then took her belt, killed the enemy, and set sail for Mycenae. (Hippolyte’s Belt Hercules Fights the Amazons) His final labor, his 10th, one of the most challenging labors Hercules was to perform, was the retrieval of the Cattle of Geryon. His final task was for Hercules to travel across the world to Erythia, an island near the boundary of Europe and Libya. Geryon was a monster who had three sets of legs (6 in total) and three heads. He kept a herd of cattle guarded by Orthus, a 2 headed hound, and the herdsman Eurytion. Once Hercules reached his destination, he built two mountains to symbolize the journey he took (these mountains would later be known as the Pillars of Hercules. ) He killed Orthus and then Geryon and left with the cattle. Two sons of Poseidon attempted to steal the cattle, so Hercules killed them. Later on the journey, one of the bulls escaped to Sicily, then made its way to the neighboring country Italy, which was named after the Greek word Italus meaning â€Å"bull. † Hercules left the herd to Hephaestus while he chased after the cow. Hercules found it in Eryx’s herd, so he wrestled him for it and won, then returned it to the herd. Hera didn’t want Hercules to accomplish the labor, so she sent a gadfly to attack the cattle. The herd scattered everywhere, and Hercules once more had to retrieve them, when he gathered them all up, he went straight to the king. Once they were delivered to the king, Eurystheus sacrificed them to Hera, an interesting coincidence. (The Cattle of Geryon) Hercules now having completed his ten labors was caught by surprise when King Eurystheus told him he had two more labors because he didn’t count the Hydra or his cleaning of the stables. Eurystheus was hungry I guess, but nothing would satisfy him except for the golden apples of Hespirides. The garden was guarded by a 100 headed dragon, Ladon, and by nymphs who were daughters of Atlas, the titan who held the sky and earth on his soldiers. Hercules had a long journey fighting through Poseidon’s sons and killing the eagle that attacked Prometheus, that once he caught a break, he realized he wasn’t even sure of where to go. He saw Atlas on the side of the road just holding up the world. Hercules asked Atlas if he would go to the garden and get him some apples. Atlas agreed, so he gave the world to Hercules. Once he was back, Atlas asked if he could take the apples to Eurystheus. Hercules agreed, but asked to put on padding. Once the world was on Atlas so Hercules could put on his padding, Hercules grabbed he apples and ran off towards Mycenae. Athena came and confiscated and brought the apples back to the garden because they belonged to the gods. (The Apples of Hesperides) His final labor was to go to the underworld and steal the beast, Cerberus. The underworld was ruled by Hades and his wife Persephone and only the dead were allowed in. Hercules eventually found Hades, who promised to give Hercules the beast as long as he could defeat the beast weaponless. Hercules went to the entrance of the underworld and saw Cerberus. Without any hesitation, he threw his arms around the beast. Cerberus fell under the force of Hercules and left with him to king Eurystheus. Eventually, Cerberus was given back to Hades without a scratch on him, except his dignity. (Cerberus) After completing all of the labors, Hercules remarried to a woman, Deianira. She was kidnapped by a centaur, Nessus. Hercules got her back of course and killed Nessus, but in the process of his dying, he told Deianira that if she smeared his blood on Hercules, he would love her forever. For Hercules birthday, Deianira gave him a cloak covered in the centaur’s blood, but when he put it on, it ended up burning his skin. To get rid of the pain, he killed himself then traveled to Mt. Olympus to become a god. He widowed a woman and left four sons, Hyllus, Clesippus, Glenus, and Hodites alone. (Carr, Karen PhD) Hercules is a difficult god to classify. Being a demigod, he doesn’t really have a rank and not many powers except strength. He had the weakness of being immoral and greedy, but there was literally nothing he couldn’t do physically. Some of the allusions associated with Hercules is the â€Å"Hercules Piorot† a detective that always finds the murderer and wrestlers want to be named after him because he was strong. Other examples include wrestlers. Hercules is a very common name in the wrestling business because it would make the person appear stronger. The C-130 plane is a plane made of steel, which is sometimes referred to as Hercules because steel is strong and not easily broken. Works Cited 1. Carr, Karen. Hercules for Kids-Herakles in Ancient Greek Mythology-Ancient Greece for Kidiepie-History for Kids. 2012. http://www. historyforkids. org/learn/greeks/religion/myths/herakle. html 2. Hercules (also called Hercakles). 62695. Web. http://ballpoint. org/greekgods/hercules. html 3. The Nemean Lion. Perseus Project. Web. http://www. perseus. tufts. edu/herakles. /lion. html How to cite Hercules Essay, Essay examples