Hercules

In Greek mythology, Hercules was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and the mortal woman Alcmena. Pocessing great strength, he was constantly tormented by Zeus' goddess wife, Hera, who saught to have him killed to blot out the reminder of Zeus' infidelity. Even as an infant two snakes were sent to kill Hercules in his crib, but instead he strangled them with his great strength.

The legends of Hercules are many, including his Twelve Labors, and his eventual death due to poison through trickery. Hercules has become a major part of western culture and has had TV shows based on the character as well as many movies. The Hercules of mythology is often more savage and his character more unstable than what is usually shown in these adaptations.