Hercules is the Roman name for the mythical Greek hero Heracles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. His first wife was Megara and his second wife was Deianeira. When Hera found out about Zeus's illegitimate son, she placed two snakes in his bed to kill him. Hera was unsuccessful, as Heracles, being born with great strength strangled the snakes when he found them. Etymology Hercules' Latin name isn't directly borrowed from Greek Herakles ("glory of Hera" vel sim.) but is a modification of the E… (More on Hercules)