Hercules, the strongman:
One of the most ancient constellations in the night sky. This group
of stars has been recognized as a hero for millennia. Once the story
of Hercules become popular this constellation was given his name.
Hercules was the son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene. He exhibited
enormous strength since childhood and was constantly being challenged
by the wife of Zeus, Hera. Because of Hera, Hercules had become
indentured to King Eurystheus and had to perform his famous Twelve
Labors, most of which can be found in other constellations (Hydra,
Cancer, Draco). The stars of the constellation are not very bright
and Hercules is usually pictured upside-down in the sky. He is located
to the east of Corona Borealis, the northern crown, and just north
of Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer.
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