Introduction
Megara was the daughter of King Creon of Thebes, given to Heracles as a reward for defending the city against Orchomenus. She bore him several children.
Family
- Spouse: Heracles (married)
Tragedy and the Origin of the Labors
Hera, still tormenting Zeus's illegitimate son, struck Heracles with temporary madness, in which he killed Megara's children (and in some versions Megara herself). Overcome with grief upon recovering his senses, Heracles sought purification and was sent by the Delphic oracle to serve King Eurystheus, whose service became the Twelve Labors.
As with all figures of Greek heroic legend, sources diverge on many particulars; the account above follows the most widely transmitted classical tradition.