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Myth and mythologies - Relish Folkore
Myth and Mythologies

by ejceasar

Myth and Mythologies. Myths can be classified as origin myths, cultural myths and political myths and mythology is a collection of myths belong to a time period, region or religion

Famous Myths
The Great Flood

A flood myth also known as deluge myth is a narrative in which great flood, usually sent by a deity or deities to destroy civilizations as an act of divine retribution. Flood myths are common across a wide range of cultures, extending back to Bronze Age and Neolithic prehistory.

Creation Myths

Every mythology has its own version of creation myths, or other wise commonly known as how the world came in to existence. In Egyptian Mythology, the creation myth starts with an egg in the ocean. There was a single egg floating in the ocean and the egg hatched and the son of Ra was born. According to the Indian Mythology, the universe was created by Lord Brahma out of himself.

Epic cosmic battles

The idea of an unimaginable war that threatens to tear apart the cosmos connects with us so deeply that it still powers our epic stories. The Lord of the Rings, Avengers, Hobbits, and countless others all feature this age-old trope. It can be found in the legends of almost every ancient culture.

The Atlantis Myth

We all know the myth of Atlantis: a utopian city wiped out in a single night thanks to an unearthly cataclysm. But Atlantis is only the most famous of mythical lost cities. Near-identical stories crop up with such regularity that it’s tempting to think they must be somehow related.Take Iram (also known as Ubar). A fabled city in the deserts of modern Saudi Arabia, Iram is said to have been wiped out in a single night when Allah buried it under a flood of sand. In other words, it’s the Atlantis myth translated to a world without water. Then you have Ys off the coast of France, which was supposedly flooded around the 5th century by a mythical warrior king. And that’s before we get onto the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and the Hindu myth of Tripura, which both involve gods wiping out immoral cities in a rain of fire.In short, the idea of a city obliterated overnight is so powerful it seems to show up everywhere. Are these half-remembered tragedies with some basis in fact (like Pompeii) or just stories that play to the apocalyptic fantasist in all of us? We’ll leave it to you to decide.

Resurrection

Jesus’s resurrection is the big selling point of Christianity, a unique moment that established Christ as the one true savior. At least that’s the idea. In reality, the idea of a dying deity or important human who is later resurrected has been around for millennia.Most famously, this includes the story of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god whose birth was heralded by a star, who was betrayed by a friend, was murdered, and was later resurrected. But there are less explicit versions too. The Greek cult of Dionysus had their figurehead killed off every two years, only to rise again at a later date. Persephone also died regularly, and many pagan traditions from Scandinavia to Central America involved gods dying and returning to life or men dying and coming back as deities.Perhaps most interestingly of all, a historical tablet known as “Gabriel’s Revelation” allegedly tells the story of a Jewish rebel known as Simon who was killed by the Romans, only to be resurrected three days later. The catch? It was written in 4 BC, over 30 years before Jesus allegedly pulled off the same trick. Either it’s a mistranslation, or the Son of God was building on centuries of groundwork by other deities.

Mythical Creatures

Dragons are likely the most traveled creature in all of mythology. Even more than vampires, they have a habit of turning up in societies and cultures so far apart in time and space you’d think it was impossible. There are ancient Sumerian tablets that record the act of dragon-slaying, Greek tales of dragons cavorting with other monsters, and an entire science built around the uses of their bones in China. In Central America, the Mayans worshipped the feathered snake Quetzalcóatl, while both Norse and Christian mythologies specifically mention dragons.As late as 1886, Victorian scientists still held that dragons had once existed but had gone extinct. Not until dinosaurs became firmly established in the public mind did people see the probable link between ancient fossils and dragon myths. Currently, our best guess is that various cultures all stumbled over dino bones at some point and translated them into gigantic mythological beasts.

The Hero’s Quest

Thanks to the occasional self-indulgent movie adaptation, most of us probably have a vague knowledge of the poems of Homer. Considered the earliest examples of Western literature, his Iliad and Odyssey are epic myths of tortured heroes fighting their way across oceans and continents in search of metaphorical salvation—and they appear in near-identical form in almost every culture.It’s called the “hero’s journey,” and just about all epic stories throughout history have followed the specific model. Famously, George Lucas deliberately based the first Star Wars on it, and you can find its influence in The Lord of the Rings, the Oz books, and even Harry Potter. But this archetypal myth was around even before fancy-pants anthropologists handed it over to lazy scriptwriters.The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, the story of Sinbad the Sailor in the 1,001 Nights, the legend of King Arthur, the tale of the Argonauts . . . all of these and plenty more fit the structure of the hero’s journey just like Homer’s awesome poems above. In fact, nearly every single culture in recorded history has myths that fall into this category. Even Moses’s epic wanderings in the Bible fit this model. We as a species truly are lazy storytellers.

Underworld

Cultural myths don’t just entertain us and record historical events. They also serve to explain why the world is the way it is. Hence the prevalence of stories designed to give a reason for some mystery of existence.In the Bible, we have the Tower of Babel, which explains why we have different languages. God’s speech prior to expelling Adam and Eve from Eden is another example, giving a reason for both the agony of childbirth and why ancient man had to toil all day in the fields. Wander across traditions into the stories of the Ancient Greeks and the legend of Prometheus demonstrates why fire is so valuable, while the story of Pandora gives a reason for the existence of disease and suffering.Start looking for them and you’ll find these explanatory myths scattered across every culture in history. There are myths that explain why rhinoceroses have no hairs, why incest is forbidden, and how medicine came into existence. Anything you can think of has some poetic explanation somewhere. In an unscientific age, poetry was often all we had.

Apocalypse

Everything that begins has an end, and our ancient ancestors knew that as simply as we do. No surprise then that most cultures carry an End of Times myth to counter their creation story—a sort of consolation prize for those who won’t live to see the actual end (i.e. everyone).For Christians, this apocalypse is a gigantic epic that plays out over many, many years and involves so many disasters, wars, and calamities that it’s hard to keep track. Same with the Norse Ragnarok, which is a collection of disasters and battles that results in the Earth being drowned and recreated afresh. In Hinduism, it’s another epic battle followed by a rebooted universe, while Buddhism annihilates the world in a pyrotechnic fireworks display so amazing it deserves its own Michael Bay film.In other words, most humans throughout history have lived with their own personal vision of the end of everything, one that makes sense in the context of their lives and cultures. And that’s all these myths really are: ways for us humans to make sense of the world we live in, no matter when or where we are. It’s just an added bonus that some of them make absolutely awesome stories, too.

Mythology Facts

Learn a few fun facts

Mythology facts.

"Interesting facts on mythology"
Scarlet Woman

The red clothes worn by Hindu brides are associated with "scarlet women" in Christianity

Symbol of Purity

The white clothes that represent virginity and purity in the Christian mythosphere are associated with spirituality and otherworldliness in the Hindu mythosphere; are restricted to monks, priests, and widows; and do not form part of household rituals.

Symbol of Virility

The goat, the symbol of virility that is sacrificed to the Hindu Goddess, is the symbol of the devil in the biblical worldview.

Yoginis

The yoginis of Hinduism, who are handmaidens of the Goddess and are wild erotic creatures, recall the witches coven of the Christian mythosphere.

Pentagram

The pentagram is the symbol of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth, and Shukra, guru of demons, and is associated with Venus, wealth, fertility, creativity, and erotic power in Hindu astrology, but is considered the mark of the devil in Christianity.

Dark drinker of the blood

'described in Western literature as the "dark drinker of blood" and is associated with witchcraft.

The Serpent

The serpent, which is associated with earth's fertility and occult wisdom in Hinduism, is considered a manifestation of the devil in biblical traditions.

Swastika

To the Western eye the swastika is the symbol of Hitler and the Holocaust. To Hindus it is associated with auspiciousness and fertility.

Demon

Demon in Judeo-Christian-Islamic Paradigm is Evil being who opposes God but in Hindu Paradigm Demon is a Being who lives under-ground in bejeweled cities, fights gods, and possess the secret of rejuvenation

Gods

Gods in Judeo-Christian-Islamic Paradigm False deities worshipped by nonbelievers and pagans whereas in Hindu Paradigm Celestial beings who live above ground or in the skies, fight demons, and have consumed the elixir of immortality

Finnish Mythology

Finnish mythology is a commonly applied description of the folklore of Finnish paganism

"Finnish mythology is a commonly applied description of the folklore of Finnish paganism"

Finnish mythology is a commonly applied description of the folklore of Finnish paganism, of which a modern revival is practiced by a small percentage of the Finnish people. Finnish mythology is the traditional belief system of the Finnish people, and it is closely related to the mythology of other Finno-Ugric peoples such as the Estonians and the Hungarians. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Finnish mythology:

The story of the creation of the world: According to Finnish mythology, the world was created by Ilmatar, a primal goddess of the air and the sky.

The story of Väinämöinen: Väinämöinen is a powerful and wise sorcerer in Finnish mythology, who is considered as one of the main characters of the Kalevala, a traditional epic poem of Finland. He is known for his wisdom and his role as a culture hero.

The story of Kullervo: Kullervo is a tragic hero of the Finnish mythology and is considered as one of the main characters of the Kalevala. He is known for his misfortune, his tragic fate and his power.

The story of Joukahainen: Joukahainen is a rival of Väinämöinen in the Kalevala, who is known for his arrogance and his defeat by Väinämöinen

The story of Lemminkäinen: Lemminkäinen is another character of the Kalevala, known for his romantic adventures and his quest to win the hand of the Maiden of the North.

These myths, along with others, are used by the Finnish people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. The Finnish traditional religion was a mixture of animism, nature worship, and ancestor worship.

Arabian Mythology

Some say that Kaaba was built by the angels.

"Some say that Kaaba was built by the angels."

Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia was a mix of polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, and Iranian religions. Arab polytheism, the dominant form of religion in pre-Islamic Arabia, was based on veneration of deities and other rituals.

Famous Myths of Arabian Mythology

  • The myth of djinn

    The djinn are supernatural spirits in Arabian mythology that can be good or evil, they are often associated with fire and can take human form.

  • The myth of Al-Khidr

    Al-Khidr is a mysterious figure in Islamic mythology, also known as the "Green Man." He is believed to have knowledge of all things and is often associated with water and the afterlife.

  • The myth of Harut and Marut

    Harut and Marut were two angels in Islamic mythology who were sent to Earth to test the faith of the people. They were tempted by the devil and ultimately fell from grace.

  • The myth of Iblis

    Iblis is the Islamic equivalent of Satan. He was once an angel, but was cast out of heaven for his pride and refusal to bow to Adam.

  • The myth of the seven sleepers

    The seven sleepers is a story from Islamic tradition about seven young men who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution. They fell asleep and awoke years later, to find that the world had changed.

  • The myth of Solomon

    Solomon is a prophet in Islamic and Jewish mythology, who is known for his wisdom and power. He is said to have had control over the djinn, birds, and the wind.

Akan Mythology

Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.

"Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire."

Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Akan mythology:

The story of Nyame

Nyame is the supreme god in Akan mythology and is believed to be the creator of the universe. He is often depicted as an old man with a white beard and is associated with wisdom, justice and the sky.

The story of Onyame and Asase Ya

Onyame is the god of the sky and the father of all gods and Asase Ya is the goddess of the earth and the mother of all living things. Together they are the parents of the other gods and goddesses in the Akan pantheon.

The story of Anansi

Anansi is a trickster figure in Akan mythology and is known for his cunning and wit. He is often depicted as a spider and is considered a bringer of wisdom and culture to the Akan people.

The story of Odomankoma

Odomankoma is the god of fate and destiny, who controls the fate of individuals, and also the god of wisdom, who is responsible for the knowledge and skills of the Akan people.

The story of Osrane

Osrane is the god of death and the afterlife. He is responsible for taking the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

These myths, along with others, are used by the Akan people to explain the origins of the world, the customs and traditions of the Akan people and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. The Akan people's traditional religion is based on ancestor worship, and the belief in a supreme being who created the universe.

Roman Mythology

Janus as the god of all beginnings and believe that his association with doorways is derivative

"Janus as the god of all beginnings and believe that his association with doorways is derivative"

Roman mythology is a collection of traditional stories, beliefs, and religious practices that ancient Romans used to explain the world around them and the natural phenomena they observed. The Roman myths are heavily influenced by the myths of the ancient Greeks, as the Romans adopted many of the Greek gods and goddesses and adapted them to their own culture. Here are some famous myths of Roman mythology:

Famous Myths of Roman Mythology

  • The myth of Romulus and Remus

    This is the story of the twin brothers who were suckled by a she-wolf and went on to found the city of Rome.

  • The myth of Jupiter and his brothers

    Jupiter, the king of the gods, overthrew his father Saturn and his brothers to become the ruler of the gods.

  • The myth of Apollo and Daphne

    This is the story of the god of poetry and music, Apollo, who falls in love with the nymph Daphne, who turns into a laurel tree to escape him.

  • The myth of Venus and Adonis

    This is the story of the goddess of love and beauty, Venus, who falls in love with the mortal Adonis.

  • The myth of Mars and Rhea Silvia

    This is the story of the god of war, Mars, who impregnates Rhea Silvia, the Vestal Virgin, and the mother of the twins Romulus and Remus.

  • The myth of Mercury and Herse

    This is the story of the messenger of the gods, Mercury, who seduces the mortal Herse, and the daughter of the king of Athens.

  • The myth of Saturn and Ops

    This is the story of the god of agriculture and the ruler of the Golden Age, Saturn, who marries Ops, the goddess of fertility and abundance.

Zulu Mythology

Zulu mythology contains numerous deities commonly associated with animals

"Zulu mythology contains numerous deities commonly associated with animals"

Zulu mythology contains numerous deities commonly associated with animals or general classes of natural phenomena. Unkulunkulu is the highest God and is the creator of humanity The Zulu people are an ethnic group that live primarily in South Africa, and their mythology is deeply rooted in their culture and tradition. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Zulu mythology:

The story of Unkulunkulu

Unkulunkulu is the creator god in Zulu mythology and is believed to be the first ancestor of the Zulu people. He is often depicted as an old man with a white beard, and is associated with wisdom, justice, and the sky.

The story of Nomkhubulwane

Nomkhubulwane is the goddess of fertility and is responsible for the abundance of crops, and the growth of the Zulu people.

The story of Ukhulukhulwane

Ukhulukhulwane is the god of rain and is known for his power and fury. He is often invoked to bring rain, and is considered a protector of the Zulu people.

The story of Zulu ancestor

Zulu ancestor is the first human being created by the god, Unkulunkulu. This figure is considered as the first ancestor of the Zulu people, and his children are considered as the founders of different Zulu tribes and clans.

The story of Inkanyamba

Inkanyamba is a serpentine water spirit, it is believed that Inkanyamba is responsible for the flooding of rivers and causing storms.

These myths, along with others, are used by the Zulu people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. Ancestor worship and the belief in a supreme being who created the universe are an important part of Zulu traditional religion.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Alcon

Greek-mythology

"alcon"

Alcon is a figure from Greek mythology known for his archery skills, but like many mythological characters, details about him can vary depending on the source. The most famous story involving Alcon revolves around his son's life being at risk and his remarkable feat with a bow and arrow to save him. According to the legend, Alcon's son was about to be sacrificed, either as a punishment or because he was mistaken for an animal. In one version of the story, his son was mistaken for a wild animal by the people of his town and was about to be killed when Alcon intervened. Demonstrating incredible archery skills, Alcon shot an arrow through a crowd and killed the snake (or in some versions, another object threatening his son) without harming his son. This tale is often cited as an example of a father's love, skill, and precision. This particular story about Alcon bears similarities to the much more famous story of William Tell, a folk hero from Switzerland, who was also famed for shooting an apple off his son's head with a crossbow. Alcon's legend is not as central or detailed as those of the major gods, heroes, or figures of Greek mythology. His story is more of a brief anecdote emphasizing skill and paternal care rather than a comprehensive narrative with multiple adventures or exploits.

Odysseus

Greek-mythology

"odysseus"

In Greek mythology, Odysseus was the son of Laertes and Antikleia (or Anticlea) and the King of Ithaca, leader of the Kephallenians. Married to Penelope, he also had a son, Telemachos (or Telemachus). The hero was also fortunate enough to regularly receive the special aid and protection of the goddess Athena.

Illuyanka

Hittite-Mythology

"illuyanka"

Illuyanka is a serpent-like dragon in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a formidable adversary. He engaged in battles with the storm god Teshub.

Evander of Pallene

Greek-mythology

"evander_of_pallene"

Evander, in Classical mythology, a migrant from Pallantium in Arcadia (central part of the Peloponnesus) who settled in Italy and founded a town named Pallantion, after his native place. The site of the town, at Rome, became known as the Palatine Hill, for his son Pallas and daughter Pallantia. Evander was the son of the goddess Carmentis (or Carmenta) and the god Hermes. Traditionally he instituted the Lupercalia (q.v.) and introduced some of the blessings of civilization, including writing. He hospitably received the heroes Hercules and Aeneas.

Zarex

Greek-mythology

"zarex"

Zarex (Ancient Greek: ) is the name of a hero of Ancient Greek mythology, son of Carystus or Carycus, grandson of Chiron. He married Rhoeo and became the father of Anius. In some accounts, Zarex adopted his wife's son, Anius who been raised by his divine father Apollo.

Pelops

Greek-mythology

"pelops"

PELOPS was a king of the Eleian city of Pisa and the eponymous overlord of the western Peloponnesos, the so-called "Island of Pelops". His father King Tantalos of Lydia was impious man who, wishing to test the fallibility of the gods, butchered the young Pelops and served him at a feast of the gods.

Agamemnon

Greek-mythology

"agamemnon"

In Greek mythology, Agamemnon was a king of Mycenae, the son of King Atreus and Queen Aerope of Mycenae, the brother of Menelaus, the husband of Clytemnestra and the father of Iphigenia, Electra or Laodike, Orestes and Chrysothemis.

Hyacinth

Greek-mythology

"hyacinth"

In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a very beautiful Spartan prince and lover of the god Apollo. Hyacinth was also admired by the West wind Zephyrus, the North wind Boreas and also by a mortal man named Thamyris. ... The couple indulged themselves in hunting and climbing steep, rough mountains around Sparta.

Kumarbi

Hittite-Mythology

"kumarbi"

Kumarbi is a primordial god in Hittite mythology, associated with chaos. He is the father of the storm god Teshub and engaged in a struggle for power with him.

balder

Norse-mythology

"balder"

The son of Odin and Frigg is Balder, the god of innocence and piety. He is so bright and fair that light shines from his features; he is also wise, eloquent, gentle, and lenient, and righteous to such a degree that his judgments stand always unshaken. His home and stronghold is called Breidablik; 4 there nothing impure may find lodgment. His wife is the faithful Nanna, daughter of Nep. His son is the righteous Forseti. Balder was killed by his brother Hod, but after the destruction of the universe he will return again. 1 The cult of Balder is mentioned only in the late, unhistorical Fridthjof’s Saga; from this source we learn that he had a great sanctuary, Baldershagi, somewhere in Sogn. 2

Gilgamesh

mesopotamian-mythology

"gilgamesh"

Heroic king of Uruk, renowned for his adventures and quest for immortality. Central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest surviving works of literature.

Hagbard

Norse-mythology

"hagbard"

Hagbard (Old Norse Hagbarðr), the brother of Haki and son of Hamund, was a famous Scandinavian sea-king in Norse mythology. He is mentioned in Skáldskaparmál, Ynglinga saga, Nafnaþulur, Völsunga saga and Gesta Danorum. The heroes' connections with other legendary characters place the events in the 5th century AD. Hagbard remained well-known until recent times in the legend of Hagbard and Signy. This famous legend tells that Hagbard fell in love with Signy, the daughter of king Sigar, the nephew of king Siggeir (of the Völsunga saga), a love affair which ended in their deaths, when Sigar wanted to have Hagbard hanged. This legend is told most fully in Gesta Danorum (book 7). However, most legends surrounding Hagbard are probably lost. In the Völsunga saga, Gudrun and Brynhild have a discussion on the "greatest of men" referring to a legend now lost, where Hagbard is mentioned together with Haki's sons, who have not yet avenged their sisters by killing the evil Sigar (the feud with Sigar is still going on and Hagbard not yet hanged):

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

The Curse of King Tut's Tomb

Unraveling the secrets of an Ancient Curse.

"The Curse of King Tut's Tomb"

Thousands of years ago, the great Child King Tutankhamen ruled. Few know the details of his life no one knows the secrets of his death. But all is about to change. In 1922 Cairo, free-spirited archaeologist Danny Fremont is certain that if found, King Tut's Emerald Tablet would hold the ultimate power to control the world. But unfortunately, the only person who believes Fremont is his ruthless archaeologist nemesis Morgan Sinclair, a member of a secret society who wants the tablet to harness unspeakable evil on the world and will stop at nothing to get it and then extend their world domination. But with the help of a crackerjack team adventurers that includes the doubting egyptologist Dr. Azelia Barakat, Fremont ventures through the Valley of the Kings, toward Tut's tomb, near the portal to the underworld, and getting closer to the truth behind a mystery that will change the world forever or end it. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Thousands of years ago, the great Child King Tutankhamen ruled. Few know the details of his life no one knows the secrets of his death. But all is about to change. In 1922 Cairo,...

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear

He didn't want to be a hero. He only wanted a job.

"The Librarian: Quest for the Spear"

Flynn, an over 30 "professional student," is banned from more classes, since he already has 22 degrees. Unexpectedly hired by a mysterious library, he's soon pursuing a stolen artifact from the library, a pursuit taking him to far-off lands. Written by trivwhiz A bookworm becomes the librarian. Same night a magical spear gets stolen and he's off to get some real life experience around the globe on his quest for the spear - starting with being...

Sands of Oblivion

Uncovering the truth will unleash a nightmare

"Sands of Oblivion"

In 1923, legendary film Director Cecil B. DeMille finished the epic film, The Ten Commandments (1923). After filming was completed, he bulldozed the sets into the Guadalupe Sand Dunes of the central California coast. His reasons for doing so were very mysterious. This story gives a fictional explanation as to why he did it. There was a legitimate Egyptian artifact amongst the props, but they didn't know which one was trapping the spirit of an Egyptian avenging god. Mysterious murders and accidents while making the film brings things back to the surface today, and it starts all over again. Written by anonymous In 1923, legendary film Director Cecil B. DeMille finished the epic film, The Ten Commandments (1923). After filming was completed, he bulldozed the sets into the Guadalupe Sand Dunes of the...

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Worlds collide.

"Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief"

When his lightning bolt is stolen, Zeus accuses Poseidon's son Percy Jackson and gives Poseidon's son fourteen days to return it, otherwise he will initiate a war amongst the gods. Meanwhile the teenager, Percy, who is dyslexic and has ADHD is visiting The Museum of Metropolitan of Art and is attacked by a Fury disguised in his teacher. His physically handicapped best friend Grover reveals that Percy is a demigod and that he is his protector and his teacher Mr Brunner gives him a pen telling him that it is a powerful weapon. They go to Percy's house and together with his mother Sally they drive to the Camp Half-Blood. However Sally is attacked by a Minotaur and vanishes before Percy can help her. In the camp, Percy befriends the gorgeous Annabeth; when they are attacked by Hades who wants the lighting bolt for himself, Percy discovers that his mother is in the Underworld with Hades. Percy decides to travel on a dangerous quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and save his mother. Grover and Annabeth join him and Luke gives a powerful shield of his own to protect Percy. Will they be able to succeed? Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil A teenager discovers he's the descendant of a Greek god and sets out on an adventure to settle an on-going battle between the gods.

Hercules

A Comedy of Epic Proportions

"Hercules"

Hercules, son of the Greek God, Zeus, is turned into a half-god, half-mortal by evil Hades, God of the Underworld, who plans to overthrow Zeus. Hercules is raised on Earth and retains his god-like strength, but when he discovers his immortal heritage Zeus tells him that to return to Mount Olympus he must become a true hero. Hercules becomes a famous hero with the help of his friend Pegasus and his personal trainer, Phil the satyr. Hercules battles monsters, Hades and the Titans, but it is his self-sacrifice to rescue his love Meg which makes him a true hero. Written by Kristi Connolly The son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.