Definition of: Hercules

(hûr′kyə·lēz)
1. In Greek mythology, the son of Alcmene and Zeus, renowned for his strength and endurance: also spelled Heracles.
2. Any man of great size and strength.
3. A large northern constellation. See CONSTELLATION.
—labors of Hercules A series of twelve great tasks imposed by Eurystheus upon Hercules, because of the hostility of Hera: the killing of the Nemean lion; the killing of the Hydra of Lerna; the capture of the Erymanthian boar; the capture of the stag of Ceryneia; the killing of the man–eating birds of Stymphalus; the cleansing of the stables of Augeas; the capture of the Cretan bull; the capture of the horses of Diomedes; the theft of the girdle of Hippolyta; the capture of the cattle of Geryon; the theft of the apples of the Hesperides; and the capture of Cerberus from Hades.