Alcmene
heroAlcmene was the mortal woman whom Zeus seduced by disguising himself as her husband — she bore Heracles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology.
The Myth
Zeus desired Alcmene but she was utterly faithful to her husband Amphitryon. Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon and tripled the length of the night they spent together. Alcmene bore twins: Heracles (by Zeus) and Iphicles (by Amphitryon). Hera persecuted Alcmene and Heracles throughout their lives. After death, Alcmene was honoured and in some traditions married Rhadamanthys in Elysium.
Parents
Electryon and Anaxo
Children
Heracles (by Zeus), Iphicles (by Amphitryon)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Zeus had to triple the length of the night to spend enough time with Alcmene — the longest night in Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Amphitryon
heroAmphitryon was the mortal husband of Alcmene whose identity Zeus stole for one night — making...
Elysium
placeThe paradise at the edge of the world where heroes and the virtuous spent eternity in perfect...
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Heracles
heroThe greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his...
Iphicles
heroIphicles was the mortal twin brother of Heracles — born the same night to the same mother but...
Rhadamanthys
heroRhadamanthys was a son of Zeus and Europa who became one of the three judges of the dead in the...