Introduction
The screen lights up, the vibrant colors of ancient Greece exploding before our eyes. A chorus sings of gods and heroes, a tale of strength, courage, and destiny. Immediately, you’re drawn into the world of Disney’s *Hercules*, a movie that blends mythological grandeur with the lightheartedness of a musical. But beyond the catchy tunes and vibrant animation, lies a familiar narrative structure, a story echoing back to the dawn of storytelling itself. Have you ever noticed how many familiar beats and story components are within the movie? How it resonates with stories across the globe and time? This film is a testament to an age-old pattern: the Hero’s Journey.
The Hero’s Journey, also known as the monomyth, is a storytelling framework that illuminates the common threads that tie together myths, legends, and even modern fiction. Developed by the scholar Joseph Campbell, the Hero’s Journey outlines a cyclical pattern that the protagonist goes through, from their ordinary beginnings to extraordinary transformation. It’s a universal story, a template that has been used, adapted, and revised across cultures and epochs. But how does this apply to Disney’s interpretation of the Greek hero, Hercules? Is the movie a faithful retelling of the myth, or does it take a different path? Let’s dive into this captivating film and explore if Disney’s *Hercules* follows the Hero’s Journey in its narrative structure.
The Ordinary World
The world of Disney’s *Hercules* begins in an unconventional manner. The hero, the son of Zeus, is not raised in a palace. Instead, he is a teenager living on Earth, unaware of his divine heritage. He is different, stronger than other kids, but he is also an outsider. This is our hero’s *Ordinary World*, the starting point of his adventure. Hercules is a fish out of water, marked by his unusual strength and the challenges that come with it. He feels different, yearning to fit in, but not knowing why. His struggles highlight the core of the Hero’s Journey – the protagonist is often separated from their true destiny, unaware of their potential. This setting perfectly sets the stage for the adventure that is to come.
The Call to Adventure and Refusal
The moment that catapults Hercules onto the path of heroism occurs when he finds out the truth. The revelation of his true heritage represents the *Call to Adventure*. Learning that he is the son of Zeus is the initial “call,” a summons to a destiny he never knew existed. His true parents need him back. The news is initially overwhelming, and it’s followed by a secondary call. It is the information that makes him eligible to be a god, but this requires being a true hero.
Hercules *does* refuse the call initially, albeit not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t outright deny the call to adventure. However, he struggles with his identity and his place in the world. When he discovers his true origins and the path to becoming a god, it seems daunting, and he doubts his ability to achieve this seemingly impossible task. He is, in essence, scared. He doesn’t see himself as heroic material. It’s not a direct refusal, but a reluctance, a lack of self-belief. It is a moment of doubt, a challenge of the ego.
Meeting the Mentor
The *Meeting the Mentor* phase is the one of the most famous in the hero’s journey. In *Hercules*, this role is brilliantly filled by Philoctetes, the satyr with a dream of training heroes. He is the mentor who will guide Hercules, giving him the training and support he needs. Phil, as he’s known, is a cynical but experienced coach, guiding the hero through the skills and lessons needed to fulfill his destiny. The relationship offers more than just training; Phil provides the necessary support and wisdom that helps him confront his fears and uncertainties. This training and guidance are crucial for Hercules, shaping him into the hero he needs to become.
Crossing the Threshold
*Crossing the Threshold* is where Hercules truly commits to his new life. After a series of training and challenges under Phil’s tutelage, he makes a conscious decision to step into the world and embark on his journey to become a true hero. He’s ready. This transition is signified by his entry into the world of monsters and the trials he must overcome. The world outside of his small town becomes the new arena for his growth. It is the moment he truly embraces his destiny. The world Hercules steps into is a world of danger and opportunity.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
The next stage introduces *Tests, Allies, and Enemies*, where Hercules faces various trials, forms alliances, and confronts his adversaries. The hero faces monsters, mythological creatures, and the schemes of his nemesis, Hades. He gains allies in Megara, the witty and complex love interest, and Pegasus, his loyal flying horse. Together they fight and help one another. These allies not only support him on his journey but also add depth and nuance to his character. His enemies, on the other hand, represent the obstacles Hercules must overcome. They test his strength, courage, and resolve, pushing him to his limits.
Approaching the Inmost Cave
The central crisis, also known as *Approaching the Inmost Cave*, is where Hercules faces the biggest challenge. He knows he needs to be the hero to save Meg and the world. The hero faces a monumental challenge. For Hercules, this moment happens at the film’s climax, when Megara makes a deal with Hades to save Hercules. In the end, this is not a simple fight, but it goes deep into the choices the hero makes to prove his heroism. The scene is both a test of strength and of sacrifice.
The Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth
The moment of the *Ordeal, Death, and Rebirth* takes place as Hercules sacrifices himself for Megara. This is a moment where Hercules faces death to save his love. He descends into the underworld, facing Hades and the monsters. His sacrifice allows the villains to be defeated and the world to be saved. Hercules’s “death” and subsequent resurrection signifies his transformation. He emerges from the Underworld as a true hero. The reward for his sacrifice is not just the salvation of the world but a transformation in his own character.
The Reward and Road Back
After conquering his enemies and achieving his goals, Hercules gains the *Reward*. The reward isn’t just in the admiration of people or his newfound status. It’s in his selfless act of sacrifice, his love for Megara, and the respect he earns from the gods.
The return is not easy. The events of the film challenge our hero, as the underworld and his confrontation with Hades test his ability to live in both worlds. The road back is a testament to his evolution as a hero, and the realization that he’s finally worthy.
Resurrection and Return with the Elixir
The journey brings Hercules face to face with a choice – he can’t live forever, and neither can the woman he loves. The film’s most pivotal moment comes when Hercules sacrifices his immortality to save Megara. This act of selflessness represents the *Resurrection* and showcases his transformation from a self-absorbed hero to a truly selfless one. It is the ultimate expression of the hero’s evolution, marking a rebirth of his character.
Finally, the *Return with the Elixir* is a moment of triumph, but it’s also a moment of change. Hercules is not just a hero; he is also ready to be among the gods. He finds that his true power lies not in his physical strength but in his compassion and willingness to sacrifice. He has fully integrated his experiences and returned to the world with a greater sense of self.
Analyzing the Deviations
While *Hercules* embraces the overall structure of the Hero’s Journey, Disney also makes its unique adaptations. The emphasis on humor, music, and a lighter tone sets it apart from more serious explorations of the myth. Hades, a charismatic and comedic villain, adds a dimension of irreverence and humor. This allows the audience to connect more deeply with the story.
These elements are not simply decorations; they help redefine the meaning of heroism. The film showcases that true strength comes not just from physical prowess but from love, sacrifice, and compassion. It’s a message that speaks to modern audiences.
The deviations also serve to make the story more accessible to a younger audience. Disney’s emphasis on musical numbers, vibrant animation, and relatable characters creates a memorable experience for children, helping them understand the complex themes of the Hero’s Journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, does *Hercules* follow the Hero’s Journey? The answer is a resounding yes, with some nuanced interpretations. The movie clearly uses the core structure of the monomyth. Hercules sets forth, faces trials, finds allies, confronts villains, undergoes a transformation, and returns with a profound understanding of himself and the world. But Disney’s film offers a unique take on the narrative. While staying true to the main story points, it embraces elements that make the story a Disney classic. It’s a blend of myth and musical. It’s a film that has touched generations, and continues to resonate today. The film shows that the Hero’s Journey is timeless.
