— Ch. 1 · Daughter Of Electryon —
Alcmene.
~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
Alcmene stood tall among mortal women, her dark eyes matching the charm of Aphrodite. Hesiod described her as the most beautiful woman born to parents who were not gods. Her father was Electryon, king of Tiryns and Mycenae in Argolis. Her mother was either Anaxo or Lysidice, depending on which ancient account you read. Some versions claimed she was the daughter of Amphiaraus instead. This lineage placed her at the center of a family tree stretching back to Perseus.
The Triple Night
Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon while the real husband fought distant wars against the Taphians. The sun god Helios refused to rise for three full days, extending one night into three. Alcmene believed the stranger was her husband returning from battle. She recounted his victories over the Teleboans without knowing he was actually Zeus. This deception resulted in the conception of Heracles during that single extended night.Seven Days Of Agony
Galanthis watched Lucina mutter charms with hands clasped and legs crossed to stop the birth. Alcmene writhed in pain for seven days and nights while the goddess prevented delivery. The maid announced that the child had been safely delivered to trick the witch. Lucina jumped up in surprise, unclenched her hands, and allowed the baby to be born. As punishment for this deception, Galanthis transformed into a weasel but stayed by Alcmene's side.