Hercules's fit of madness

Hercules was raised at the Amphitryon's court as a nobleman. He once knew that the nearby Theban King Creon was in danger and that the Minyans had taken over his kingdom. King Creon's realm was successfully restored by Hercules thanks to Hercules' support. The King gave Hercules his daughter Megara in return for his appreciation. Although Megara and Hercules had a number of children and appeared to be a happy pair, tragedy struck when Hercules was gone on an excursion. After killing Creon, Lycus overthrew the kingdom of Thebes and attempted to marry Megara against her will. In time, Hercules came back and killed Lycus.

But when he was thanking the Gods for his family’s safety, Hercules became mad which is Hera's plan. According to a Messenger, Heracles thought he had to kill Eurystheus when the mental breakdown struck. He imagined himself traveling from country to country as he moved from room to room. Eurystheus was mistaken for Amphitryon when he attempted to stop him, and his own children were mistaken for Eurystheus. He murdered his wife and three sons in his craziness. Athena struck him as he threatened Amphitryon, putting him to sleep. Opening the castle doors reveals Heracles now dozing off while still being bound to a pillar and surrounded by the bodies of his wife and kids. Amphitryon informs him of his actions when he awakens, and out of guilt, he wishes to end his life. The tragedy makes Hercules's fit of madness one of the most famous myths featuring Hercules.