Hercules (HR-ku-leez) was a great Greek hero who was half human and half God. His father was the famous Greek God Zues. Hercules was not considered to be God initially, but because of his bravery and heroic deeds, he was finally given a place amongst gods.

Hercules had immense strength when he was little. Once he saved his twin brother from two snakes. The snakes were put in the crib by Hercules’s stepmother, Hera. As he grew older, he became an exceptionally strong young man. He learned his lessons from best Greek teachers. He mastered the art of wrestling, riding the chariot, the art of war and shoot a bow and arrow. The only lessons that he found difficult were music lessons.

By the time Hercules turned eighteen, he stood out amongst his peers. He had many superior weapons and war materials that had been awarded to him by some of the most powerful Gods. They gifted him a mighty bow and arrows, an indestructible sword, a powerful club, strong horses with great stamina, a truly special breastplate that was golden and a perfect robe to cloak his body beneath. With the help of all these wonderful weapons, Hercules was well prepared to face his enemy.

He went on to become a powerful warrior and a hero saving people from trouble.

But wicked stepmother Hera, kept on plotting against Hercules. One day she cast an evil spell on him, that sent him in a fit of rage. In that rage, he killed all his family. When Hercules regained consciousness, he wept bitterly for what he had done. He prayed to the Gods for forgiveness. The Gods ordered him to complete “12 extremely difficult tasks” to wash away his sins.

Hercules completed all the tasks honestly. Then, he was forgiven for his sins and made a God.

Take a peek at the animated clip of Hercules –