Hercules – What is the measure of a true hero?

‘A long time ago, in the distant land of ancient Greece, there was a golden age of mighty gods and extraordinary heroes. And the greatest and strongest of all these heroes was the mighty Hercules. But what is the measure of a true hero? Ah, that’s our story…’

Fables are in fashion, there is no doubt about it. In the movie, the world in the 21st century is saved by superheroes several times a day because they have futuristic technology or amazing powers.

For me, however, Disney’s ‘Hercules’ is the best film of this genre ever made: it is their only film based on Greek mythology: these timeless tales about a world of complex interrelationships between gods and humans explored the mysteries of life on earth, conveying important lessons to mortals in distress.

The conduct of royal society on Mount Olympus in those days seems to have been as fallible as today’s jet set and, in the absence of television, stories about their lives and adventures, foibles and failings in ancient Greece were apparently the talk of the town. from the city. .

As an animated film first released in 1997, the old characters from Walt Disney’s ‘Hercules’ speak a very modern language: Charlton Heston (narrator), Rip Torn (Zeus, leader of the gods), James Woods (Hades, ruler of the underworld). ) and Danny DeVito (Phil the Satyr), among others, have put their voices in a fast-paced film, wildly funny and highly entertaining for children and adults alike.

However, what is often overlooked is that the story of Hercules is also a brilliant parable about the human cycle of life on earth; To me, that’s the most interesting aspect of the film. It all begins at the party on Mount Olympus, where the right of admission is reserved for the Gods, to celebrate the birth of Hercules, son of Zeus and Hera. The host welcomes a new guest:

“Hades, you finally made it. How are things in the underworld?” “Well, they’re okay. You know, a little dark, a little gloomy. And, like always, hey, full of dead people. What are you going to do?”

However, the evil Hades plans to overthrow Zeus as head of the gods in what he calls a ‘hostile takeover bid’, and soon after the group sends his aides Pain and Panic to kidnap Hercules on Earth because the Fates they predict he could foil the coup within 18 years.

Although pain and fear are still the most effective allies of the dark forces today, good help was hard to find even in those days, and Pain and Panic fail to infuse Hercules with the magic potion that would make him forget his divine origin. . .

As a result, Hercules retains superhuman strength for his spell on earth, but that doesn’t make him very popular: as a brash teenager, he breaks everything he touches and isn’t allowed near the local pottery shop. ‘jerks’ is his nickname at the time and he longs to be normal, just like everyone else.

He just wants to somehow fit in and know where he belongs, setting the stage for the quest for the archetypal hero – this is highlighted beautifully in his captivating song. ‘Go the distance’: ‘I will find my way, I can go the distance; I’ll be there one day if I can be strong; I know every mile will be worth it.

So when he leaves his adoptive parents’ home to find his place in the world, his first stop is the Temple of Zeus, a quiet place to reflect, to ask for guidance. There he learns that he has a famous father, and Zeus tells him that he has to prove himself a true hero on earth to restore his status as a god.

How do you become a true hero?

You learn from an expert.

On the advice of Zeus, and with the help of Pegasus, the flying horse, Hercules seeks out Philictetus, the trainer of heroes. Phil is disappointed that previous clients like Perseus and Achilles couldn’t make it to the end, but he confronts Hercules and shows him all the tricks of the hero trade. They both make mistakes and get hurt a few times in the process, of course: you teach what you need to learn, and the lines between teacher and student blur after a while.

Along the way, Hercules also has to rescue Megara, a damsel in distress, and they fall in love; however, he is unaware that she has sold her soul to Hades and is committed to helping him rearrange the cosmos to take over Mount. Olympus. Despite his efforts to get Hercules out of the way before he spoils the loot, he becomes a famous ‘Zero to Hero’ superstar in the big city with his own brand traded in consumer goods, all royalties that accompany her and the great life that everyone wants.

But to be rich and famous, strong and powerful is not to be a true hero, Zeus tells him on another visit to the temple: before Hercules can meet with the gods, he must still do something that he has to discover for himself, something that only can do. find by looking within.

Meanwhile, Hades is furious and very frustrated at his lack of progress until he finds the only weakness Hercules has: his love for Meg. Hercules finally agrees to give up his massive strength for 24 hours to win back Meg’s freedom from the clutches of Hades, who immediately launches his attack on the world by unleashing the titans.

But Meg, Pegasus and Phil don’t give up on Hercules’ shattered dreams and help him through his darkest hour. Together with the gods on Mount Olympus, they defeat Hades and his titans and free planet Earth from the tyranny and oppression of the underworld, but not without casualties: Meg is dying!

In a desperate attempt to change the course of events, Hercules rushes to Hades and strikes a deal with him: ‘Take me to Meg’s place.’ He plunges after Meg into the River of Death, selflessly offering his life in exchange for hers, but the Fates cannot cut his thread so that they both emerge alive: the underworld has no power over the gods!

Meg and mighty Hercules are taken to Mount Olympus; now he can return home to reunite with his family. The exultant Zeus explains: ‘A true hero is not measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart!’

This is the moment Hercules has always dreamed of, but he realizes that a life without love, even an immortal life, would be empty, and he chooses to stay on earth with Meg and her friends: ‘I finally know where I belong’.

I just love it!

What if we all remembered that we are powerful beyond measure and have a connection to our divine origin with limitless support?

What if we knew that we are always exactly where we belong, wherever we are and whatever we do?

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