Hercules vs. Herakles

          A good example of Roman culture in modern times is the Disney movie, "Hercules". The movie is based on the Greek/Roman myth. The myth originally comes from Greece, and the hero was Herakles, but it changed to the more well-known name, Hercules when it was translated into Latin.  In the original myth, Herakles, the demigod son of Zeus has to serve Eurystheus. Herakles marries Megaera and has kids, but Hera drives him mad and he subsequently kills his wife and children.  Afterward, Herakles completes the famous 12 Labours for Eurystheus. Herakles ends up falling in love with 2 more women, and after he is murdered,  made into a god.
          In the Disney version, Hercules is the son of Zeus and Hera and has to complete the trials in order to become a god and join his family in Olympus. While training, he meets Megara and falls in love with her. After he completes the trials, Hercules chooses not to become a god, but instead to stay mortal so that he can be with Megara.
          Even though the movie takes place in Greece, the main characters name is Hercules. The original myth is very long, and I can see why Disney shortened it. The Disney version, of course, is a lot more family-friendly and doesn't involve murdering people and affairs. The movie was so successful, that it was made into a T.V. show too.  "Hercules" contains upbeat music and humorous dialogue. While I can't talk to Herakles himself, I'm pretty sure that his life was not narrated by songs and witty jokes. The movie is still enjoyable even without the gory and romantic details, but the stark difference between the myth and the movie would be a surprise to anyone who knew the real myth.

V.S.

Sophie Pong

A.N: I chose to spell the names differently, so that it is easier to differentiate the real myth from the movie.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Heracles
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