Final answer:
Hercules became immortal after his death, which occurred due to a cursed garment that inflicted unbearable pain. To end his suffering, he built a funeral pyre and immolated himself, after which he was granted eternal life on Mount Olympus by Zeus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legendary hero Hercules, also known by his Greek name Heracles, became immortal following his death. His pathway to immortality was paved with heroic feats and significant suffering. According to mythology, Hercules was a demi-god, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, making him a target of Hera's jealousy. After being stricken with madness by Hera and killing his own children, Hercules sought atonement by completing the Twelve Labors, which included slaying the Nemean Lion and obtaining the apples of the Hesperides. The tales of his labors were popular subjects in ancient art and sculpture.
Hercules' death, however, came about by a cursed garment that was given to him by his wife Deianira, which had been tainted with the blood of the centaur Nessus whom Hercules had previously killed. This poison caused Hercules unbearable pain, and to end his suffering, he built a funeral pyre on Mount Oeta and immolated himself. Zeus then took pity on him, and after his mortal part was burnt away, Hercules was welcomed to Olympus, where he was granted eternal life among the gods, solidifying his status as a celebrated hero of myth.