Alcmene
Mortal mother of Heracles, whose childbirth is surrounded by the power struggle of Zeus, Hera and Eurystheus.
Overview
Alcmene is Heracles’ mortal mother and a key figure in the politics of his birth. Iliad Book 19 recalls Zeus declaring that a coming descendant would rule nearby peoples, while Hera manipulates the order of childbirth so that Eurystheus is born before Heracles. Pseudo-Apollodorus also keeps Heracles’ early destiny attached to Alcmene’s household. Her role is not battlefield agency but origin pressure: through her, Heracles belongs at once to a mortal family, Zeus’ line and the consequences of Hera’s counter-plan.
Key facts
Mother of Heracles
Iliad Book 19 places Alcmene’s childbirth within Hera’s alteration of the succession outcome.
Mortal house and divine blood
The Library’s Heracles narrative preserves his mortal household connection through Alcmene and Amphitryon.
Relationships
- Heraclesmother of
Alcmene is the mother of Heracles.
- Amphitryonmarried to
Amphitryon is Alcmene's husband, preserving Heracles' mortal household context.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.