Crossword Genius

Roman god: he's cruel, unfortunately (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hercules

'roman god' is the definition.

'he's cruel unfortunately' is the wordplay.
'unfortunately' indicates an anagram.
'hes'+'cruel'='hescruel'
'hescruel' anagrammed gives 'HERCULES'.

(Other definitions for hercules that I've seen before include "Mighty hero of Greek mythology" , "labourer" , "Strong hero" , "One who laboured" , "Mythical strongman - he's cruel (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app