Hercules (aka Herakles or Heracles) is perhaps the greatest of mythic Greek heroes. His courage, strength, skill and cunning are literally legendary, and were revered in ancient Greek culture.

He is the quintessential hero of the ancient world, yet his name—'The Glory of Hera'—was a cruel irony for a man haunted by divine spite. Beyond the Hollywood spectacle of the 'Twelve Labors' lies a ...