As Alcmene awaits the return of her husband Amphitryon from war, the virtuous bride falls victim to the licentious Zeus and finds herself carrying the great gods's child. Born Herculues the strapping lad is rejected by his mother, envied by his brother Iphicles, and loathed by Zeus's wife Hera. Unbeknownst to Hercules, his wife the priestress Megara and her sons are merely tools of the vengeful Hera, plotting against him and initating events that lead to banishment from his people.