Heracles was ordered by the Delphic Oracle to complete twelve labors for King Eurystheus of Mycenae. Having come of age, he had already established himself as an unmatched archer, a champion wrestler, and a man of superhuman strength. However, Hera drove him into madness, causing him to tragically kill his own children. To atone for this horrific act, he was sentenced to undertake a series of tasks, known as the "Labors," for his cousin Eurystheus, the king of Tiryns and Mycenae. Although he was deserving of the throne, Hera had deceived her husband Zeus, leading him to crown Eurystheus instead.