The worst thing Hercules ever did was the gruesome murder of his own beloved wife and children. This tragic act, committed under the dark influence of the goddess Hera, stands out as the most devastating and regrettable event in his legendary life.
The Tragic Act
Hercules, known for his immense strength and heroic deeds, committed an unspeakable act of violence against his own family. He murdered his wife and children in a fit of madness orchestrated by Hera, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for him due to his parentage as Zeus's son.
Under Hera's Dark Influence
Crucially, Hercules was not in his right mind when he committed these horrific murders. He had absolutely no idea that he was killing his wife and children because of Hera's malicious trickery and manipulation. This divine interference meant that while his hands performed the deed, his mind was not his own, making the tragedy even more profound.
The Devastating Aftermath
When Hercules eventually regained his senses and realized the full extent of his actions, he was utterly shattered. The realization that he had brutally murdered his own family left him completely destroyed. This overwhelming guilt and despair led him to seek atonement, which ultimately resulted in the Twelve Labors, a series of seemingly impossible tasks given to him as penance for his heinous crime.
Key Aspects of the Tragedy
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victims | His beloved wife and children |
| Nature of Act | Gruesome murder |
| Cause | Direct influence and trickery of the goddess Hera |
| Hercules' State | Unaware and not in control of his actions due to divine madness |
| Impact on Hercules | Completely destroyed by the realization, leading to immense guilt and the quest for atonement (Labors) |
This horrifying event highlights the immense power of the gods in Greek mythology and the severe consequences they could inflict upon mortals, even the mightiest of heroes.
