The story of this demi-god is more than 3,000 years old. It comes from ancient Greece, one of the world's richest civilizations. It's about a man who was so strong and courageous, whose deeds were so mighty, and who so endured all the hardships that were given to him, that when he died, Hercules was brought up to Mount Olympus to live with the gods. He was both the most famous hero of ancient times and the most beloved. More stories were told about him than any other hero. He was worshipped in many temples all over Greece and Rome. .
In one myth, Zeus, the king of all gods, fell in love with a mortal woman named Alcmene. But Zeus already had a wife-a powerful goddess named Hera. When Hera found out that Zeus and Alcmene had a baby boy (Hercules), she didn't send a teddy bear. She sent two deadly snakes. She wanted to kill that baby on the spot. But even in his cradle, Hercules had some serious moves. He killed the snakes, one with each hand. Unimpressed, Hera continued to launch evil plots against Hercules throughout his life. He managed to hang in there, though, thanks to his extraordinary strength and bravery. During his life, Hercules went on some incredible missions. Need someone to steal golden apples? Rescue a golden-horned deer? Bring a dog back from the underworld? Hercules was your man. When Hercules grew up and had become a great warrior, he married Megara. They had two children. The goddess Hera, determined to make trouble for Hercules, she made him lose his mind. In a confused and angry state, he killed his own wife and children. When he awakened from his "temporary insanity," Hercules was shocked and upset by what he'd done. He prayed to the god Apollo for guidance, and the god's oracle told him he would have to serve Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae, for twelve years, in punishment for the murders.
From the courageous demi-god of Greek myths to America's favorite superhero, He moves faster than a speeding bullet and bends steel with his bare hands.