Handel's Hercules is an opera in all but name; it was written to be performed without costumes and staging like an oratorio, but Handel's history as an operatic composer shines through in the intense music and heart-wrenching drama of the piece.

The story begins with Dejanira, wife of Hercules, awaiting her husband's return from battle. She shares her anguish with the herald Lichas and her son, Hyllus, who swears to roam the Earth until he finds his father. Hercules returns home, glorious in battle and with the beautiful princess Iole in his captivity. Dejanira's joy is soon overcome with jealousy, and she decides to win Hercules back by gifting him the robe of the centaur Nessus (which is poisoned, unbeknownst to her) ultimately killing her husband. Her grief is starkly opposed to the happiness of the new couple, Hyllus and Iole, who will now rule together over Trachis.