How old is the myth of Hercules?

The myth of Hercules dates back to ancient Greece, with its origins in stories that likely emerged around the 12th century BCE. These tales were part of the larger body of Greek mythology and were later popularized in works such as Homer’s "Iliad" and "Odyssey" in the 8th century BCE. Over centuries, Hercules became a central figure in various myths and cultural narratives, making his legend over 3,000 years old.