This set of Heracles (Hercules) prayer beads consists of twelve beads, representing the Greek dodecatheon of twelve gods; there are many more than twelve Greek gods, but most cities had their own group of twelve. Joining the string is a pendant, a symbol representing the god: a stone club. The club was Heracles' weapon and he was often depicted in art carrying it.
Heracles, son of Zeus, was born mortal but later made a god; however, even after he received godhood he remained a fast friend and protector of mortals.
It is made with 10mm deep bronze brown fire-polished glass beads, separated by silver-toned metal spacer beads, and glass seed beads to provide a comfortable transition from one bead to the next and to make the piece lightweight, supple, and easy to handle. The string itself is approximately 11" (28cm) in circumference and is designed to be used in prayer and meditation, to decorate an altar or shrine, and/or to adorn a statue. The small size makes it easy to keep on hand in a drawer, a purse, or a pocket.
The beads come with a prayer to Heracles, written specifically to be used with this prayer bead design, and with a cotton muslin bag for storage.
You can, of course, use the beads with any prayers, or for any god or gods, that you choose or that resonate with you.
