In Greek mythology, the hero Amphitryon was the son of King Alcaeus of Tiryns and the grandson of PerseusGreek hero, son of Danaë and Zeus, who cut off the head of Medusa. Alcaeus's brother Electryon, the king of Mycenae, asked Amphitryon to take over his kingdom when he went to battle the Taphians, who had killed his eight sons. Before leaving, Electryon promised his daughter Alcmene to Amphitryon as a bride.

When Electryon returned from war, Amphitryon accidentally killed him while throwing a club at some cattle. Forced to flee, the hero went with Alcmene to Thebes, where King Creon cleared him of guilt for the killing. However, Alcmene refused to become Amphitryon's wife until he avenged the death of her eight brothers. Creon agreed to help if Amphitryon would rid Thebes of the Teumessian fox, a beast sent by the gods.

After overcoming the fox, Amphitryon set...