Disney's Hercules

The Disney interpretation of the myth of Hercules is very skewed from the original. The first disparity comes at the first scene of the animated movie when Hercules is introduced as the son of Zeus as well as Hera. From the original story we know that Hercules is the son of Zeus and a mortal woman. Most of his life was plagued by Hera's rage from Zeus's infidelity that she took out on him through curses and manipulation. Hercules performs the twelve trials informally in the film but does them none the less, killing the hydra, fighting Nessus (which was intertwined with him meeting Megara), and following the path to becoming a famous hero. In order to restore his immortality, Hercules needs an event that will prove to the Gods that he is worthy. The Titans being released by Hades doesn't occur in the original myth, but the restoration of his immortality does occur in a different fashion as he is made a God at the end of his journeys. After reading the myth and how he treated Megara and killed her and their children, the conclusion of the Disney version upset me. I felt as if it glorified a relationship that was originally depicted as extremely abusive and unhealthy. Although Megara and Hercules end up together and Hercules gives up his opportunity to be a God to be with her, I felt as if Disney was glossing over factors that made Hercules what he truly was in the myth. Overall, the film's changes made it very fun and enjoyable for children; however, it was extremely different from the true myth.