Birth of Heracles
The Birth of Heracles and his Lineage
Born Alceides to the mortal Alcmene and the god Zeus, Heracles was the greatest demigod of them all. Born into a world of monsters, gods, and men, Heracles emerged from struggle to protect humanity.
As he was born, Zeus's wife Hera was angry at Zeus for cheating on her, so she sent snakes to kill Heracles. Demonstrating his great strength, Heracles killed the snakes with ease. Hera swore to haunt Heracles throughout his life.
Trained by his mortal father Amphitryon, Heracles became skilled at even a young age at all mortal combat arts. He became skilled with the chariot, the bow, playing the lyre, and was even later trained by Chiron - the trainer of the greatest of Greek heroes.
Heracles vs. Alceides
Shortly after birth, Alceides had his name changed to Heracles [Gloy to Hera] to appease Hera. It didn't work. From Heracles, we get the Roman "Hercules" which is the most common name.
How Heracles Set Out on his Labors
Heracles set out on his 12 Labours against his will at first.
At teenagerhood, Heracles married the princess Megara, daughter of the Thracian King. They were happy and fruitful; they produced five children.
Yet Hera was displeased.
Hera cast down a spell to put Heracles in a fit of madness, killing his wife and children in the process. When Heracles arose from the trance, he was emotionally broken.
Heracles went to the divine oracle at Delphi to figure out how to repent, and the oracle told him to do the bidding of King Eurystheus.
When Heracles went to the King, he was given a set of ten impossible feats to accomplish to release himself from the bondage. They were Heracles' Labours.
1. Kill the Nemean Lion
2. Kill the Lernaian Hydra
3. Capture the Keryneian Hide
4. Capture the Erymanthian Boar
5. Clear the Augean Stables
6. To kill the Stymphalian Birds
7. To kill the Cretan Bull
8. To capture the Mares of Diomedes
9. To steal the Girdle of Hippolyta [Amazon Queen]
10. To capture the Cattle of Geryones
11. To take the Apples of the Hesperides
12. To capture Cerberus from Hades
He was forced to do two more for needing assistance in Feat II and Feat VI.