Forgive 'em, Fathers, for they've sinned

Today's subject, children? The curious case of fathers pardoning their sons. And, for that, mythology precedes current affairs - of the filial heart. Take Hercules of the 12 labour unions fame. The collateral damage he wrought during his adventures caused Daddy Zeus much grief, especially when mopping up the consequences of the strongman's anger issues. But Zeus decided to turn a blind eye. Son after all. Odin, all-father of Norse mythology, did pretty much the same when it came to his brat, Loki. The trickster-deity's tricks exasperated the gods, especially the one where he orchestrated Ragnarok - that event that ended the world and destroyed the gods. But, again, Odin turned his non-functional eye at his son's misdemeanours and sought to chide Thor, his other entitled one, instead.

In our good ole Hindu pantheon, Shiva forgave Ganesh after the latter blocked his entry home - to be fair, after being ordered by his mom, Parvati. Enraged, Mahadev-dad beheaded his son. But overcome with guilt over his filicide, he transplanted an elephant's head (poor jumbo) on his son, and forgave him. A bit like biblical pa Abraham, who had promised his boss, Mr God, he'd sacrifice his favourite son Isaac. The Bible says that Mr God stopped him from carrying out the grisly affair. But, then,... God may have told Joe to pardon his wayward son, Hunter, too.