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.