Eurystheus

In Greek Mythology, Eurystheus was a king of Mycenae? and Tyrins?, notable mainly for the twelve labors he imposed on Heracles (Hercules). His father Sthenelus? had essentially usurped the kingdom from his older brother Alcmaeus?' son Amphitryon?, who was step-father of Heracles. When this latter was about to be born Zeus declared that the next descendent of Perseus would be king, and to thwart this Hera had Eurystheus' mother give birth prematurely. This rivalry for the throne, though Heracles himself had nothing to do with it, left Eurystheus with a deep hatred of the hero, which is why he was picked to come up with the labors. After Heracles died his many children fled the country, fearing that Eurystheus would attempt to harm them, and took refuge in Athens. Eurystheus thus attacked the city, but was defeated, and he and his sons were killed. Various traditions as to the placement of the body exist, but it was believed to protect Athens against invasion by the descendents of Heracles, notably the kings of Sparta?. After him the kingdom Atreus? and Thyestes?, which he had entrusted the kingdom to in his absence, took over the kingship.