According to a prophecy, the first-born grandson of Perseus would inherit Mycenae. Both Nicippe and Alcmene, Heracles' mother, were pregnant. However, Heracles, who was going to be born first, was the subject of Hera's personal vendetta, who sent her daughter, Eilytheia, to prolong Alcmene's labour. When Heracles was born, he was to late and the jealous and cowardly Eurystheus took the throne.