After a routine brawl aided by Iolaus to prevent a hanging, Hercules returns home and sees his beloved wife and little boys burnt to a crisp by a fire ball while Hera laughs, and swears revenge. After some reminiscing about happier family days sitting by the river, he tells his cruel fate to Iolaus, who expected him to help in the forge, curses the cowardice of his foul father Zeus and tells his friend to stay back. Farmer Lycus from Ister seeks Hercules' help, is turned away and foul-mouths him in the bar, where Iolaus verbally takes him on and yet promises to come help himself against the she-demon who turns the village men into stone and gives their souls to Hera's sister Hekate, as punishment for not sacrificing their first-born sons to the queen of gods. Meanwhile Hercules sets fire to his home and visits his mother Alcmene who was told by Zeus and insists he grieves first, then warns Hera will attack anyone he loves because of Zeus' infidelity.