Heracles was born to the mortal woman Alcmene and Zeus, who disguised himself as her husband Amphitryon home early from the war. The most famous stories of his life were The Twelve Labours of Heracles. He was often portrayed with a lion skin and a club. With Hermes, Heracles was the patron and protector of gymnasia, and he was a playful individual playing games and entertaining children. When his brawn would not suffice, he would call upon his wits to outsmart the King Augeas of Elis or tricking Atlas into taking the weight of the heavens once again. Heracles was known for his extraordinary strength, courage and cleverness. The son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, he was considered the greatest of the heroes, a symbol of masculinity, sire of a long line of royal clans and the champion of the Olympian order against terrible monsters. Heracles, also known as Hercules in Greek texts, is one of the most recognised and famous of the divine heroes in Greek mythology.
