Why did Hercules kill his children?

Answer 1

Hera cursed him with fits of madness. During one of his fits, he thought his children were wild beasts so he killed them. He was horrified when he came back to his senses. Hera hated Hercules because he was the living proof of her husband cheating on her. So she forced Hercules to go mad and kill his family.

Answer 2

Hera really hated Hercules, mostly because he was the son of her husband (Zeus) and a mortal. So, among other cruel things, she drove him mad. In his madness he killed his wife and kids.

Answer 3

He did murder his children and his wife Megara, but at the time he was under the influence of a madness sent upon him by Hera, so he is not really responsible for his actions.

Answer 4

To escape Hera's wrath