Disney's Hercules

5 Pages 1286 Words

Disney?s Hercules

Many children?s stories that are based on real stories are usually toned down in particular ways so they become more appropriate and interesting to their audience. Disney?s Hercules proved to be no exception to the rule. Although some of the information presented in the movie was true based on ancient Greek writings, most of it was twisted and rewritten to appeal to children.
The myth of Hercules as Disney revealed it was one of good versus evil, where good prevailed. In order to determine what parts of Disney?s Hercules were true according to Greek mythology one must know both stories. First, the plot of Disney?s Hercules should be understood, next the writings of the ancient Greeks should be examined. Assuming the writings of the ancient Greeks to be factual, the Disney movie should then be compared to facts.
The plot of the Disney movie was a simple one. In the beginning Zeus locked up his archenemies, the Titans. With these warriors away from harm Zeus was able to rule Mt. Olympus safely. Zeus was happily married to his wife Hera, and they had a baby boy named Hercules. Hercules? gift was strength. As a present, Zeus gave Hercules a flying hoarse named Pegasus.
Trouble comes when Hades (the god of the underworld) decided that he wanted to unlock the Titans in order to take over Zeus?s reign. Hades asked the Fates (three sisters with one eye who could see into the future) if his plans would succeed. The Fates told Hades that he would beat Zeus in eighteen years when the planets lined up and if Hercules didn?t fight. With this valuable information Hades sent his evil servants Pain and Panie to steal baby Hercules and make him human by forcing him to drink a potion. Amphitryon and Alcmena caught on to the plan and rescued the baby before he was able to finish the potion. Amphitryon and Alcmene took Hercules in and raised him as their own.
Hercules had trouble fitting in as a child becau...