In Greek mythology, an immortalized hero (Roman
Hercules); son of Zeus and Alcmene; and famed for his strength. While serving Eurystheus, king of Argos, he performed 12 labours, including the cleansing of the
Augean stables. Driven mad by the goddess
Hera, he murdered his children by Megara, his first wife, and was mistakenly poisoned by his second wife Deianira.
Although an archer, later portrayals depicted him wearing the skin of a lion and armed with a club cut from an olive tree.
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