Research Paper On Hercules

Kerensa Lam

Martinez Smith

Pre Honors English

15 May 2023

Mythological Hercules from Two Perspectives

Renny Harlin’s film, “The Legend of Hercules” is a Hercules story that is loosely based on the original Hercules myth. The original myth of Hercules is of Roman origins, but the film also uses the name Alcides which is Greek and was later changed to Hercules. In the original myth of Hercules, the author’s purpose in writing it was to teach atonement. In the film, the director directed the film with the purpose of never giving up. In the original story of Hercules, Hercules was a mortal and his father was Zeus who cheats on Hera, his wife. Hercules was born with formidable strength. Hera cast a spell on Hercules that drove him to insanity resulting

Hercules' drowning guilt tracked down Apollo and begged for punishment. Apollo ordered Hercules to perform the twelve labors for the Mycenaean king Eurystheus. After twelve years, Hercules completed the tasks and married his second wife, who killed him, but after he died he was given immortality. The original myth of Hercules was appealing to audiences at the time because it told a story of hardship and recompense and had a character who was determined to right his wrongs. The film is appealing to audiences nowadays because Renny Harlin modified Hercules to be a brave and honorable hero who fought for justice and love. Although Hercules has always been perceived as an epic hero, the characterization of Hercules within the Greek or Roman myth is a hero that is struck with emotional damage and wants to repent, Reny

Renny Harlin added the possibility of a love interest to drive audiences. One example from the film “The Legend of Hercules” that shows this is when Hercules is shown riding horses with his love interest, Hebe, meeting at the bottom of a waterfall. This is different from the myth where Hercules's romantic relationship had nothing to do with his character. By adding a romantic storyline with Hercules being a passionate love, Renny Harlin can connect to the audiences who value love and romance in their heroes. Harlin had to change the myth and characters of Hercules to appeal to audiences today because modern audiences have different values and expectations than audiences back then. By adding elements such as romance to Hercules’ character, Harlin was able to create a version of Hercules that modern audiences could resonate