Hercules

Hercules (I drew this picture.)

Hercules is one of the most well-known and great mythical heroes. Hercules was born in the city of Thebes. His mother was Alcmene, and she was a mortal. However, his father was Zeus, king of gods. Zeus had many wives. One of his wives, Hera, was jealous of Alcmene and despised Hercules. Hera made Hercules go crazy. During this time, Hercules killed his wife, Megara, and children. The oracle of Delphi told Hercules to serve King Eurysthesus for 12 years in order to purify himself of his murders.

King Eurystheus told Hercules to do 12 labors. Here are the 12 labors.

1st Labor- Hercules killed the ferocious lion Nemea. Hercules wore Nemea's skin for armor.

2nd Labor- Hercules slew Hydra. Hydra was a many headed serpent whose heads grew back when they were severed.

3rd Labor- Hercules captured the gigantic boar Erymanthus.

4th Labor- Hercules captured the golden-horned Arcadian stag.

5th Labor- He drove off a flock of terrifying and dangerous birds from the woods near Lake Stymphalous.

6th Labor- Hercules cleaned the stables of King Augeas, which hadn't been cleaned for years. He completed that task by drowning the stables with two rivers.

7th Labor- He captured the bull of King Minos.

8th Labor- Hercules brought the man-eating horses of King Diomedes to King Eurysthesus.

9th Labor- Hercules obtained the belt of Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons by defeateing her in battle.

10th Labor- He captured the cattle of the monster Greyon.

11thLabor- Hercules stole the Golden Apples of the Hesperides from the Tree of Life.

12 Labor- Hercules went to the Underworld and captured Hades's watchdog, Cerberus.

Hercules had many other spectacular adventures and made the world a better place. When he finally died, his body was taken to Olympus. There he became a god.