Alcmena was a princess in Greek mythology, daughter of Electryon and mother of Heracles. Married to Amphitryon, she followed him into exile in Thebes after he accidentally killed her father. She refused to marry him until he avenged her slain brothers.

While Amphitryon was away on campaign, Zeus, disguised as her husband, extended the night to three days and slept with her, conceiving Heracles. Amphitryon returned and learned the truth from the prophet Tiresias.

Alcmena’s labor was famously difficult due to Hera’s attempts to delay or prevent Heracles’ birth; different sources credit helpers such as Galanthis or Historis with tricking Hera’s agents and enabling the delivery.

After Amphitryon’s death, Alcmena married Rhadamanthys, another son of Zeus. Later stories portray her as fiercely loyal to her family as she even mutilates Eurystheus’ head after he is killed. Her death varies by account: some say she died in Megara, others that she turned to stone. She was honored with altars and a tomb in various Greek cities.

All published appearances of Alcmena from before January 1, )-(95)}} are public domain in the US.

Some notable appearances are listed below:

* Apollodorus, The Library
* Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History
* The Homeric Hymns and Homerica
* The Iliad
* Metamorphose
* Pausanias Description of Greece
* Plutarch's Lives
* The Comedies of Plautus
* Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology (1873)

* Heracles (1967 Series) #1: After the death of his mother Alcmene, Hercules seeks answers from the gods. Calling out to Zeus, he learns that before he can join the immortals, he must complete nine labors and accept the judgment of King Eurystheus. Accepting this fate, Hercules sets out on his first task: defeating the Nemean lion. Following several trials and confrontations, he finally battles the fearsome beast and kills it through sheer strength. Claiming the lion’s skin as his cloak, Hercules begins his journey toward the remaining tasks.

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcmene Wikipedia]
*[https://comicvine.gamespot.com/alcmena/4005-48094/issues-cover/ ComicVine]
*[https://myths-in-media.fandom.com/wiki/Alcmene Myths in Media Wiki]
*[https://www.theoi.com/articles/who-was-hercules-mother-and-was-she-a-god/ Theoi]
*[https://comicbookplus.com/?dlid=61092 Comic Book Plus]
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