In 1997, Disney released the animation “Hercules”, which tells the story of the son of the gods Hera and Zeus, who bears the same name, and who ends up being captured by Hades, losing all his powers, including his immortality. The plot accompanies the protagonist trying to regain his rightful place on Mount Olímpio.
The film was based on the myth of Hercules, present in Greek mythology, but had numerous changes. It is worth remembering that the myths of Ancient Greece themselves have several versions, however, they all convey the same message. Because of this, RECREIO brought some differences between the Disney production and the best known version of the Greek myth, in addition to other differences present in this mythology. Check it all out in the list below!
1. Different Villain
Hades is the great villain of the film, in addition to being one of the most charismatic of Disney. However, in myth, the villain is Hera, goddess of women and marriage. In Greek history, she is not even Hercules’ mother, but rather his enemy!
The myth shows that, once again, Zeus betrayed Hera and had a son with a mortal woman. Thus, in the tale, Hercules is a demigod: half god, half human. Angered by yet another betrayal, Hera decides to punish him, making him lose his demigod powers. In this version, Hades would only be one of the obstacles for him to get his powers back.
2. The Muses
One of the highlights of the film is the presence of the Muses, who, in addition to being great singers, narrate the events of the plot in a light and fun way. In animation, only five are represented, however, in Greek mythology there were nine.
In the 1997 production, the muses Calliope, Clio, Melponene, Terpsicore and Thalia are represented. If the film faithfully followed Greek mythology, Disney would need to include the rest, which are Erato, Euterpte, Polyhymnia and Urania.
3. The trainer of Hercules
When Hercules discovers that he is a god, in the Disney version, he goes after the satyr Philoctetes, better known as Phil. The character becomes the protagonist’s trainer, so that he actually becomes a hero and manages to return to Mount Olympus.
Already in Greek myth, it is not a satyr who teaches everything to the demigod, but a centaur named Chiron. The creature was a renowned trainer of heroes, as well as being wise, patient and skillful. But we have to admit, he wouldn’t be as funny as grumpy Phil.
4. Pegasus
Like other Disney characters, Hercules also has a best friend by his side: Pegasus, the winged horse. The animal is always at the hero’s disposal and remains loyal throughout the film. However, unfortunately for many, the character does not exist in the myth.
The creature exists in Greek mythology, but is not present in the myth of Hercules. In reality, the winged horse is more closely linked to the Greek hero Belleronphon, who is the son of Poseidon.
5. Different name
If the animation faithfully followed the myth, it wouldn’t be called Hercules. That’s because, in the Greek version, the hero is called Heracles. The name we know today is actually Roman, which became more popular and ended up being what people remember most when they comment on the myth.
Source: Recreio
