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Disney version of Hercules- a Christ-figure?

posted 12 years ago by YourFamilyExpert
6 replies | jump to latest

From my recent article "Cinematic Heroes as Types of Christ." I'd love to hear your thoughts, but please keep it civil, whatever your world view and beliefs.

Disney's version of Zeus' most infamous son alters the mythology quite a bit. Frankly, it's a lot more like the story of Christ now, whether they meant to or not (the gospel music soundtrack would suggest that they meant to). Here, Hercules is born to happily married, godly parents instead of resulting from Zeus' infidelity (as per tradition). Hercules comes to earth mortal, but with godly powers, spending his days in the service of others. Granted, early on his motive is fame, but later he assumes more Christ-like motives. He learns true heroism by descending into the underworld (hell) and sacrificing his life to save another out of love, emerging glorified and immortal. He stands by his father when Hades (Lucifer) tries to kick him off of his heavenly throne (Isaiah 14:12-14; Moses 4:3-4).

If you're interested in my extensive breakdown of Christ-figures at the movies, from Neo to Aslan, from Katniss to Batman and more, please visit: http://www.mormonmovieguy.com/2013/05/cinematic-heroes-as-types-of-chr ist.html

[–] rachelway910 12 years ago

Well considering the myth involves Hera cursing Hercules, forcing him to murder his wife and children, I don't think disney could have stuck to the myth. I don't think they were trying to make him Christ-like though.

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Pharaoh-in-de-Nile 10 years ago

Here, Hercules is born to happily married, godly parents instead of resulting from Zeus' infidelity (as per tradition).

I'd hardly say that Jesus/Joshua was born to happily married parents when Mary was impregnated by YHWH whiled married to Joseph.

A lot of the similarities between Hercules and Jesus/Joshua comes from the original Heracles (Hercules being the Roman form) myth. They fulfill a similar niche as culture heroes.

"The game's afoot!"

[–] CyberGhostface-1 10 years ago

I don't necessarily think it was intended to be a deliberate Christ retelling with Hercules himself (beyond the usual parallels that pop up in popular culture all the time) but their view on Greek mythology seemed to be viewed from a Christian perspective with Hades being the Devil and the Underworld being Hell whereas in the original mythology Hades was a more neutral figure.

[–] frankielafferty 10 years ago

Couldn`t it be the other way around? The story of Jesus was affected by the story of Hercules? Son of a divine being, special powers, a life after death...

[–] chisox999 9 years ago

Why would you include Aslan in your breakdown?

CS Lewis basically wrote Aslan as Christ. There's literally nothing to break down.