1. Alcmene is best known as the mother of Heracles, whose father was the god Zeus.
11 Facts About Alcmene
1. 2.
Alcmene was referred to as Electryone, a patronymic name as a daughter of Electryon.
3.
Hesiod describes Alcmene as the tallest, most beautiful woman with wisdom surpassed by no person born of mortal parents.
4.
Alcmene refused to marry Amphitryon until he had avenged the death of her brothers.
5.
In Homer's Iliad, when Alcmene was about to give birth to Heracles, Zeus announced to all the gods that on that day a child by Zeus himself would be born and rule all those around him.
6.
Hera, after requesting Zeus to swear an oath to that effect, descended from Olympus to Argos and made the wife of Sthenelus give birth to Eurystheus after only seven months, while at the same time preventing Alcmene from delivering Heracles.
7.
Alcmene writhed in pain, cursed the heavens, and came close to death.
8.
Galanthis, a maid of Alcmene who was nearby, observed Lucina's behaviour and quickly deduced that it was Juno's doing.
9.
In Metamorphoses, an aging Alcmene recounted the story of the birth of Heracles to Iole.
10.
Pausanias indicated that an altar to Alcmene had been built in the Cynosarges in Athens, alongside altars to Heracles, Hebe, and Iolaus.
11.
Pausanias said that Alcmene's tomb is located near the Olympieum at Megara.