Hercules: Disney vs. Classical Literature

The myth of Hercules has been represented in media such as film and television, allowing the general public to be introduced to Greek and Roman mythological characters through entertainment. The 1997 Disney animated movie Hercules is a loosely based adaptation of the Herculean myth. The Herculean myth in the Disney movie Hercules relies heavily on identifying characters with their Greek and Roman counterparts instead of identifying with their classic mythological roles.

In Hercules, Hercules is depicted as being the offspring of Zeus and his wife, Hera. Because he was born to two gods, Hercules is also depicted as being a god himself. In classic mythology, Hercules was born to Alcmene, a mortal and the wife of Amphitryon, and Zeus, who disguised himself as Amphitryon in order to sleep with Alcmene. While Hercules is depicted as being loved by both Zeus and Hera in the movie,...
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