Actually, Herakles did not solely perform the labors to become a god. He did it to atone for murdering his children after being driven insane by Hera. They were originally ten, but the king who assigned them didn't count two of them. [noted -ed]
Heracles was originally named Alcides (Αλκείδης - al-KI-dis = descendant of Alcaeus - and, possibly, the strong one, from άλκη - AL-ki = strength). After killing his family, driven by madness sent from Hera, Alcides consulted the Delphi Oracle. He was instructed to serve King Eurystheus in order to redeem himself, and was also given the name Heracles, in an attempt to cool off Hera's hatred (as she was always upset about Zeus impregnating mortal women -- remember the snakes she sent to Alcides' cradle).