A Synopsis Of The Myth.

Movie depiction of Hercules' life.

Early Life
Hercules was the son of a woman names Alcmene, who was seduced by Zeus when he disguised himself as her husband Amphitryon. As an illegitimate son of Zeus, Hercules was the subject of great hatred from Hera, Zeus' wife, as Heracles' existence was proof of her husband's infidelity. Heracles was originally named Alcides by his parents, and his name was only changed later in a vain attempt to please Hera (Heracles meaning 'glory of Hera'). Hera supposedly sent two snakes to kill Heracles in his cot, but Heracles strangled a snake in each hand and played with the dead bodies as though they were toys. In his youth Heracles was sent to tend cattle on a mountain after he killed his music tutor, Linus, with a lyre. According to the sophist Prodicus, he was visited here by the nymphs Pleasure and Virtue who offered him a choice of two lives: either comfortable and easy or glorious and brutal. Heracles chose to suffer to achieve great glory.


Later Life
Heracles' first wife was Megara, with whom he had several children. However, Hera caused Heracles to lose his mind and kill his wife and children in a frenzy. Heracles strived to purify himself of his crimes by asking the Oracle what he should do. Hera guided the Oracle into telling Heracles that he must serve King Eurystheus for 12 years. During these 12 years, Heracles completed his Twelve Labours including:
Slaying the Nemean Lion
Slaying the Lernaean Hydra
Capturing the Ceryneian Hind
Capturing the Erymanthian Boar
Cleaning the Augean stables
Slaying the Stymphalian Birds
Capturing the Cretan Bull
Stealing the Mares of Diomedes
Obtaining Hippolyta's Girdle
Obtaining Geryon's Cattle
Stealing the Apples of the Hesperides
Capturing Cerberus

Hercules defeating the Lernaean Hydra.