Eurisztos

Eurisztos, also spelled Eurystheus, was a king of Mycenae in ancient Greece, known for his role in the myth of Heracles (Hercules). According to Greek mythology, Eurisztos was the son of Tyndareus, the king of Sparta, and Leda. He was married to Anaxibia, with whom he had two sons, Aletes and Oicles. Eurisztos is primarily remembered for his encounter with Heracles, who was tasked by Eurisztos to perform twelve seemingly impossible labors. These labors were intended to cleanse Heracles of the taint of his mother's infidelity, as Heracles was the son of Zeus and Leda. The labors included slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Erymanthian Boar, and obtaining the golden apples of the Hesperides, among others. Eurisztos' role in the myth is that of a cruel and demanding taskmaster, who ultimately becomes a tragic figure after Heracles completes the labors and kills his sons in a fit of rage. Eurisztos' reign as king of Mycenae is not extensively detailed in mythology, and his character is largely defined by his relationship with Heracles. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of one's actions.