Hercules is one of the most significant figures in Grecian mythology.
He was the son of Jupiter by a mortal maiden named Alcmene. Juno, who
hated the children of her husband by mortal mothers, declared war
against him from his birth. Through her decrees there were imposed upon
him a succession of desperate undertakings which are called the Twelve
Labors of Hercules. The variety and motives of these labors make up a
story which might easily be turned into Christian allegory. Through
them we learn not only of the strength of Hercules and his victories
over monstrous evils, but also of his frailties which he vanquished by
superhuman will.