The Madness of Heracles
Hera sends madness upon Heracles, leading to the destruction of his own household and setting the stage for his famous Labours.
The Story
Heracles' great Labours did not begin simply because he wanted adventure.
A terrible family tragedy stood behind them.
Heracles had married Megara and established a household.
But Hera's hostility toward the son of Zeus had never disappeared.
Madness came upon Heracles.
While his mind was distorted, he killed members of his own family.
When his sanity returned, he was confronted with what he had done.
The hero famous for defeating monsters could not undo the violence committed within his own home.
He sought purification and a way to atone.
This eventually led to his service under Eurystheus.
The tasks imposed by Eurystheus became the famous Labours of Heracles.
The Labours therefore emerge from tragedy rather than simple heroic ambition.
Heracles' extraordinary public achievements follow an intensely personal catastrophe.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The madness of Heracles provides the narrative reason for his submission to Eurystheus and transforms the Twelve Labours into acts connected with atonement.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient sources differ over the victims, timing and precise relationship between Heracles' madness and the Labours.