Long ago, in the distant land of ancient Greece, there was a golden age of powerful 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, without a doubt. In the movie, the world in the 21st century is saved by superheroes a few 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. imparting important lessons to mortals who fight.
The conduct of royal society on Mount Olympus in those days appears to have been as fallible as today’s jet set and, in the absence of television, the stories about their lives and adventures, weaknesses, and petty crimes in ancient Greece were apparently the talk of the town. .
As an animated film first released in 1997, the ancient characters of 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 given their voices to a fast-paced film, tremendously fun 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 cycle of human life on earth; for me, that’s the most interesting aspect of the movie. It all begins at the party on Mount Olympus, where the right of entry 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 fine. 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 offer’, and soon after the group dispatches his aides Pain and Panic to kidnap Hercules to Earth because Fate predicts it could thwart the coup in 18 years.
Although pain and fear are still the most effective allies of the dark forces today, it was difficult to find good help even in those days, and Pain and Panic fail to infuse the magic potion in Hercules that would make him forget his divine origin. . .
As a result, Hercules retains the superhuman strength for his spell on earth, but that doesn’t make him very popular: as an impetuous teenager, he breaks everything he touches and is not allowed near the local pottery shop. ‘Jerkules’ is his nickname at the time and he yearns to be normal, just like everyone else.
He just wants to somehow fit in and know where he belongs, setting the stage for the search for the archetypal hero, this stands out beautifully in his captivating song. ‘Go the distance’: ‘I will find my way, I can go the distance; I’ll be there someday 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 at 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 that he is a true hero on earth to restore his status as a god.
How do you become a true hero?
Learn from an expert.
Following the advice of Zeus, and with the help of Pegasus, the flying horse, Hercules searches for Philictetus, the trainer of heroes. Phil is disappointed that previous clients like Perseus and Achilles couldn’t go the full distance, but he confronts Hercules and shows him all the tricks of the hero trade. You both make mistakes and hurt each other 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 does not know that she has sold her soul to Hades and agrees to help him reorganize the cosmos to take over Mount. Olympus. Despite her efforts to get Hercules out before he spoils the loot, she becomes a famous ‘From Zero to Hero’ superstar in the big city with her own brand marketed in consumer goods, all the accompanying royalties, and life. high 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 join the gods, he must still do something that he has to discover for himself, something that only can do. find by looking inside.
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 enormous strength for 24 hours to regain Meg’s freedom from the clutches of Hades, who immediately launches his attack on the world freeing the Titans.
But Meg, Pegasus, and Phil don’t give up on Hercules’ shattered dreams and help him in his darkest hour. Together with the gods of Mount Olympus, they defeat Hades and his Titans and liberate planet Earth from the tyranny and oppression of the underworld, but not without victims: Meg is dying!
In a desperate attempt to change the course of events, Hercules rushes to see Hades and comes to terms with him: ‘Take me in Meg’s place.’ He plunges after Meg into the River of Death, selflessly offering his life in exchange for hers, but Fate cannot cut his thread for both of them to emerge alive: the underworld has no power over the gods!
Meg and the mighty Hercules are taken to Mount Olympus; now he can return home to reunite with his family. Zeus, full of joy, 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 remember that we are powerful beyond measure and have a connection to our divine origin with unlimited support?
What if we knew that we are always exactly where we belong, wherever we are and whatever we do?