You can consider Heracles (Hercules), son of Zeus, an honorary Olympian since he was regarded as a god after his death. This fable shows how Heracles was a popular deity you could call on in times of need. Which does not mean Heracles would always answer your prayer as expected: Perry 291. The Ox-driver and Heracles.
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Text by Joseph Jacobs. Illustration by Francis Barlow.
HERCULES AND THE WAGONER. A Wagoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Wagoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong. "O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress," quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said: "Tut, man, don't sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel."
The gods help them that help themselves.
You might be interested in the way Saint Peter plays the same role as Heracles in this medieval fable by Odo of Cheriton (translation by Laura Gibbs): SAINT PETER AND THE FARMER. A farmer's donkey fell in the mud. The farmer lay down on the grass, shouting, "Peter! Rescue my donkey!" Peter hit the farmer and said, "Get up, you lazy man! First you must lend a hand to rescue your donkey, and then I will be your helper."
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