There once lived an amazingly beautiful mortal woman, Casecadias, a descendent of the goddess Galateia - the goddess of calm seas. Casecadias, the daughter of a seaman, had been raised by the sea and had always had a connection to its watery charms. From humble beginnings in a seaside shanty, Casecadias later married the king of an island nation. With a palace overlooking the ocean, she lived a life in constant vision of the water. Indeed, her ravishing good looks had escaped the notice of few men, including the King of Gods - Zeus.
One night Zeus disguised himself as the husband of Casecadias, King Caspiane, and slept with the Queen. Zeus departed her bed and later that night the real king became amorous with Casecadia. The result was pregnancy...with twins. One from Zeus and the other from King Caspiane.
Earendil and Gal were twin boys, born nine months later. Hera, Zeus’ wife, hated the child of her husband. While froliking in the sea, she sent two banded sea snakes to kill the children. Oddly, Earendil, found the snakes fascinating, played with them, and squeezed them to their death. Amazed at the strength and connection with animals of the sea, Casecadias began to believe that there was something special about Earendil.
Casecadias went to an oracle, who sent a dream to Casecadias showing her the entire story. Fearful of Earendil’s life, she again sought the help of an oracle who told Earendil to appease Hera. It is at this time that he changed his name to Herazale.
Herazale grew strong and continued to exhibit a mysterious connection with the sea. He married and had children. But Hera was not done with Herazale and caused him to have a fit of anger so severe that he killed his wife and children. Upon realizing what he had done, Herazale sought an oracle who told him to go to the king of the sea, Poseidon. Poseidon told Herazale he would have to serve him for ten years, in punishment for the murders.
As part of his punishment, Herazale had to perform ten Labors, tasks so difficult that they seemed nearly impossible to a mortal. And so the Ten Labors of Herazale begins……
Author’s Note:
The hero, Herakles sometimes referred to as Hercules, is a story about a man who becomes a god - or demi-god. Like so many other heroes in mythology, Hercules had a miraculous birth. His father was Zeus and his mortal mother was the Queen of Thebes, Alcmene. Without knowing, Alcmene sleeps with Zeus, disguised as her husband, and her husband the same night. Alas, nine months later twins are born - Iphicles and Alceides. One is divine. Angered by her husband’s infidelity, Hera sends two serpents into the nursery of the twins. When the Queen enters Iphicles is crying and Alceides is strangling the serpents in his hands. Alceides would eventually become Herakles and live a normal life until when overcome with madness, he killed part of his family. Seeking an oracle he is told to appease Hera, thus changing his name to Herakles, and to travel to his rival king to receive his punishment. His punishment is the Ten Labors of Herakles…..In my story, Herakles is Herazale. His birth story is similar however, a connection to the sea is added. His Ten Labors will all involve the sea or water.
Bibliography: The Birth an Story of Hercules: Accessed here