This is one of the faintest of the major constellations in the spring sky, most of its stars being around 3rd to 4th magnitude. Nevertheless it presents an easily recognizable figure that dominates a large area of sky between Coronae Borealis and Lyra, and is a pleasing counterpoise to the straggling group of Ophiuchus to the south. Hercules is of course the hero of legend, the strongman who carried out the twelve labours. Hercules was the son of Zeus but was hated by Hera, the wife of Zeus. As a result, Hercules suffered unjustly for most of his life but was rewarded with a place in the heavens and immortal heavenly life.