Hercules: Character Variation
Hercules: Character Variation There was one hero in ancient Greece who stood out the most; he was the strongest, the bravest, and the most god-like. Hercules was a favorite hero among men because he suffered and was therefore relatable. Through multiple sources the story of Hercules has been told: in Mythology, by Edith Hamilton (the most accurate version); in the History Channel’s 2009 episode, “Hercules” from the series, Clash of the Gods; in the 2014 movie Hercules directed by Brett Ratner, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson; and in the 1997 animated movie Hercules directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Throughout these stories there were many similarities, but also many differences.
In the book Mythology, by Edith Hamilton, the story …show more content…
It showed how the myth of Hercules could have actually happened, but it isn’t backed up by fact. Hercules again is the son of Zeus and Alcmena and again Hera wanted him dead, so she sent the two snakes to kill him and they didn’t. Hercules had a wife and three children, but in this retelling he can’t remember anything from the night they died. After that, Hercules worked as a mercenary to complete the 12 labors, which are mentioned throughout the movie, but never all at once or in great detail. Unlike in Hamilton’s book, Hercules had companions on these adventures and he was doing these things for money. The labors themselves, like killing the Hydra, were not as they seemed. The people in the movie believed he had actually killed a monster, but it was actually men disguised. The main storyline of the movie revolves around the city of Thrace, where the king has hired Hercules and his companions to defeat Rhesus, a man who they are told is terrorizing villages and farms. Like in Hamilton's book, Hercules prevails and defeats his opponent, however, he soon realizes that something is amiss. Unlike in Hamilton’s book, Hercules is clever as well as strong. Rhesus tells Hercules that he has been fighting for the wrong side, that it is the King who is destroying and taking villages. Hercules and most of his companions decided to stay and fight against the king; they were captured and almost killed by Cerberus, who is actually just three separate wolves. But, when Hercules remembers how his family died, by another man, King Eurystheus, who is working with the king, he is empowered (Eurystheus also appears in Hamilton's version, however he is not working with Hera in this story). Hercules escapes with his companions due to his use of strength and together they kill Eurystheus and the King, saving Thrace and it’s people. Unlike in the other versions so far,
In the book Mythology, by Edith Hamilton, the story …show more content…
It showed how the myth of Hercules could have actually happened, but it isn’t backed up by fact. Hercules again is the son of Zeus and Alcmena and again Hera wanted him dead, so she sent the two snakes to kill him and they didn’t. Hercules had a wife and three children, but in this retelling he can’t remember anything from the night they died. After that, Hercules worked as a mercenary to complete the 12 labors, which are mentioned throughout the movie, but never all at once or in great detail. Unlike in Hamilton’s book, Hercules had companions on these adventures and he was doing these things for money. The labors themselves, like killing the Hydra, were not as they seemed. The people in the movie believed he had actually killed a monster, but it was actually men disguised. The main storyline of the movie revolves around the city of Thrace, where the king has hired Hercules and his companions to defeat Rhesus, a man who they are told is terrorizing villages and farms. Like in Hamilton's book, Hercules prevails and defeats his opponent, however, he soon realizes that something is amiss. Unlike in Hamilton’s book, Hercules is clever as well as strong. Rhesus tells Hercules that he has been fighting for the wrong side, that it is the King who is destroying and taking villages. Hercules and most of his companions decided to stay and fight against the king; they were captured and almost killed by Cerberus, who is actually just three separate wolves. But, when Hercules remembers how his family died, by another man, King Eurystheus, who is working with the king, he is empowered (Eurystheus also appears in Hamilton's version, however he is not working with Hera in this story). Hercules escapes with his companions due to his use of strength and together they kill Eurystheus and the King, saving Thrace and it’s people. Unlike in the other versions so far,