Before the birth of Hercules Jupiter had explained in the council of the
gods that the first descendant of Perseus should be the ruler of all the
others of his race. This honor was intended for the son of Perseus and
Alcmene; but Juno was jealous and brought it about that Eurystheus, who
was also a descendant of Perseus, should be born before Theseus. So
Eurystheus became king in Mycene, and the later-born Hercules remained
inferior to him.
Now Eurystheus watched with anxiety the rising fame of his young
relative, and called his subject to him, demanding that he carry through
certain great tasks or labors. When Hercules did not immediately obey,
Jupiter himself sent word to him that he should fulfill his service to
the King of Greece.
Nevertheless the hero son of a god could not make up his mind easily to
render service to a mere mortal. So he traveled to Delhi and questioned
the oracle as to what he should do. This was the answer:
_The overlordship of Eurystheus will be qualified on condition that
Hercules perform ten labors that Eurystheus shall assign him. When this
is done, Hercules shall be numbered among the immortal gods._
Hereupon Hercules fell into deep trouble. To serve a man of less
importance than himself hurt his dignity and self-esteem; but Jupiter
would not listen to his complaints.