Hercules

Hercules, originally known as Heracles in Greek mythology is a legendary demigod celebrated for his superhuman strength.  As the son of Zeus (or Jupiter in Roman mythology) and the mortal Alcmene, he accomplished the famous "Twelve Labours" to achieve immortality and become a resident of Mount Olympus. 

In Roman mythology Hercules was seen as the champion of the weak and a great protector. 

Juno, the Roman Godess sent two witches to prevent the birth of Hercules.  But they were tricked by the servant of Alcmene and sent to another room.  Juno then sent serpents to kill him in his cradle, but Hercules strangled them both. 

In another version of the myth Alcmene abandoned her baby in the woods in order to protect him from Juno's wrath, but he was found by goddess Minerva who brought him to Juno, as an orphan child left in the woods who needed nourishment.  Juno suckled Hercules at her own breast until the infant bit her nipple, and she pushed him away, spilling her milk across the Milky Way.  Then she gave the infant back to Minerva.

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations Pip compares his brother-in-law Joe Gargery with Hercules.

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