Heracles

Heracles, also known as Hercules in Roman mythology, is a hero of Greek mythology famous for his extraordinary strength and his twelve labors. The son of Zeus and Alcmene, he is one of the most iconic figures in Greek mythology.

Heracles, the son of Zeus and Alcmene, is one of the most revered heroes in Greek mythology. Known for his superhuman strength, Heracles is most famous for the twelve labors he had to complete to atone for the crimes he committed under the influence of Hera, Zeus' jealous wife.

The twelve labors of Heracles are:

• Slay the Nemean Lion.
• Slay the nine-headed Lernaean Hydra.
• Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis.
• Capture the Erymanthian Boar.
• Clean the Augean stables in a single day.
• Slay the Stymphalian Birds.
• Capture the Cretan Bull.
• Steal the Mares of Diomedes.
• Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons.
• Steal the cattle of Geryon.
• Fetch the golden apples of the Hesperides.
• Capture and bring back Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the underworld.

Heracles also participated in other adventures, including the expeditions of the Argonauts and the Trojan War. At the end of his life, after enduring many trials, he was taken up to heaven by Zeus and became a god. He is often depicted wearing a lion skin and carrying a club, symbols of his feats.