Hercules was the son of Zeus and a mortal mother, Alcmene.  Hera, Zeus's immortal wife, hated Hercules because of Zeus's infidelity, and was out to destroy Hercules.  After Hera killed his wife and children, Hercules consulted the oracle at Delphi on how to get over the tragedy.  The oracle told Hercules to server the king of Argos, but the king was already in league with Hera.  The king of Argo gave Hercules 12 tasks that were sure to kill him.  Hercules successfully completed all the labors, and after that, took part in the voyage of Jason and the Golden Fleece.  After returning from the voyage, Hercules's second wife thought he was cheating on her, and decided to soak his robe in a love potion.  Hercules had a bad reaction to the love potion and died, where upon Zeus placed him in the heavens to honor him.