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Reader question: Please explain “herculean proportions” in this passage: Every spring, thousands of birds, some weighing a pound or less, set off on a journey of herculean proportions. They fly thousands of miles north, to breeding grounds in Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada and to U.S. destinations that include Alaska, Montana and North Dakota. Come September, they fly back over the same gigantic distances to fall and winter habitats ranging from South Carolina to Florida, and from Texas to Mexico. My comments: A journey of herculean proportions is a journey that’s very long in distance, very very very long. And very difficult of accomplishment, too, needless to say. It is hence, logical to compare those migrating birds to Hercules, the god of strength in Roman legends. Hercules is the Roman name for Heracles in Greek mythology. From Wikipedia: The Romans adapted the Greek hero's iconography and myths for their literature and art under the name Hercules. In later Western art and literature and in popular culture, Hercules is more commonly used than Heracles as the name of the hero. Anyways, Hercules is famous for his strength, with which he fights and tames lions, bulls and other big wild beasts. Hence, in English, we see phrases like “herculean effort” or “herculean task”. It means the effort or task is so huge and daunting that it perhaps requires a man with the strength, stamina and determination of Hercules to get it done. | 
