Herakles

Herakles is one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology, renowned for his incredible strength and courage. He was the son of Zeus and Alcmene, and was hated by Hera, Zeus's wife, who tormented him throughout his life. His most famous exploits are the Twelve Labors, a series of seemingly impossible tasks he performed as penance for killing his family in a fit of madness induced by Hera.

The name itself, 'Herakles', is a compound of 'Hera' (the goddess) and 'kleos' (glory, fame). Despite Hera's animosity, his name ironically means 'glory of Hera', perhaps a testament to the immense fame he achieved through the trials she imposed upon him. The Roman equivalent of Herakles is Hercules, which is a more commonly known form in Western cultures.