Amphitryon by Plautus. Short summary

5 seconds

A myth which recounts the origin of Hercules. Jupiter seduces the mortal Alcmene by pretending to be her husband. After a while she gives birth to 2 sons, one of whom was Jupiter’s son.

1 minute

Hercules was the son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmene. Since she had a consort, King Amphitrion, Jupiter had to appear to her in his guise. He takes Mercury, who takes the guise of a slave, as his attendant.

After the king has gone on the march, Jupiter comes to Alcmene, while Mercury stands guard. The latter encounters the real slave. They fight, and Mercury breaks the servant’s head. Jupiter and Alcmene come out of the house. The «spouse» says he only got out of the war for the night and gives a golden cup.

In the morning, the real Amphitrion returns. The servant tells what has happened, but the king does not believe him. The wife is surprised at her husband’s rapid return. Amphitryon answers that he has been away for several months. The couple argue, and Alcmene shows the golden bowl.

The king goes to get witnesses to confirm that he was with the army. Jupiter comes down to Alcmene as her husband and tells her that it was all a joke. Amphitrion arrives and confronts Jupiter. Soon Alcmene gives birth to 2 sons, one of whom was Jupiter’s son.