Zero to Hero
Disney's Hercules was released in 1997 and follows the life of a young boy named Hercules the son of the Greek God, Zeus. The movie features many character based on Greek gods, goddesses and other mythology. After some chaos on Olympus caused by the leader of the underworld, Hades, Hercules ends up on Earth. He is unaware of his godly background. When he finds out where he has come from, he attempts to make himself worthy of becoming a God and taking his place back on Olympus. [1.0]
Zeus and Hades: God and Satan?First, we have the character Zeus. Zeus is clearly based on the Greek god of the same name. This god is the leader of the gods and goddesses as well as the people of Earth. However he appears to have some links to the God discussed in Christianity. Similar to God he is the highest power above those from Earth. He and the other gods also appear to have a full body halo effect. Similar to the glow of God's halo in Christianity. [*] When Hercules is sent down to Earth, his adoptive parents state "for so many years we prayed to the gods to bless us with a child" [1.3]. This is very similar to the way people pray to the Christian God.
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Hercules: The Christ-FigureMost importantly, we come to the protagonist, Hercules. Hercules appears to be the main Christ-figure of this story. He is the son of Zeus, who we have already established as the God figure, therefore making Hercules the equivalent to Jesus, the son of God. Adding to the similarities, they both spend time on Earth; though their journey and circumstances of arrival may be slightly different, both ends up on Earth being raised by mortal parents. According to the article The Cinematic Christ-Figure by Anton Karl Kozlovic, one of the basic features of a Christ-figure in many films is that “they are usually outsiders of their communities… defined as from ‘above’ or ‘beyond’ or ‘out there’”[1.2]. Hercules is clearly from the "above and beyond" land of Olympus and does not truly belong to his community. This is also referenced figuratively in the movie as Hercules acknowledges his differences from others that truly make him an outsider.
Another feature of a Christ-figure according to Kozlovic, is that it is“frequently argued that there is also a Mary Magdalene figure around him… a sexually tagged woman.. [who] does not know exactly how to express her sexuality with him”[1.2] It can be argued that, in Hercules case, this is Meg (also known as Megara). Meg appears to be sexualized and immediately shows her distaste for Hercules though later admits her feelings though at this point she hasn't figured out “exactly how to express her sexuality to him”. This situation fits Kozlovic's description almost exactly.
[*] Later in the movie, Hercules is willing to give up his own life in order to save Meg, much like Jesus does for his people. Hercules goes to the lengths of saving her from the "River of Death" knowing he has a high chance of dying himself. After saving Meg's soul he appears to have a halo effect over his whole body. His selflessness and love help him back to Olympus where he is granted immortality. “Hercules has become a Christ-figure, a son of god, Who raises Meg from the dead and triumphs over the evil one” [1.1]
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Hades is another character In Hercules who can be associated with a biblical character. He appears to be similar to Satan, the ruler of hell. His flaming hair and constant association with fire makes him appear more similar to Satan rather than the usual descriptions of the Greek underworld rulers. This fire-y, satanic appearance strengthens Hades contrast with the likable, glowing appearance of Zeus making him appear even similar to the Christian God[1.1]. He is the evil of this story. [*] |
Sacrificial Love
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With the presence of a Christ character, sacrificial love is sure to follow. Throughout this story sacrificial love is very prominent, as it is in many Disney movies. Hercules is willing to sacrifice his life and then actually sacrifices his immortal powers for his love of Meg. This theme is prominent in Disney movies such as this one because it is used as a way to convey the truest feelings of love.
Meg also has a background story in the movie describing her own bouts of sacrificial love. This is used to highlight the risks that come along with sacrificing everything for your love and in my opinion, this makes Hercules sacrifices more meaningful because the viewer has already seen the potential the risks. |