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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn a few fun facts
The red clothes worn by Hindu brides are associated with "scarlet women" in Christianity
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.
The goat, the symbol of virility that is sacrificed to the Hindu Goddess, is the symbol of the devil in the biblical worldview.
The yoginis of Hinduism, who are handmaidens of the Goddess and are wild erotic creatures, recall the witches coven of the Christian mythosphere.
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.
'described in Western literature as the "dark drinker of blood" and is associated with witchcraft.
The serpent, which is associated with earth's fertility and occult wisdom in Hinduism, is considered a manifestation of the devil in biblical traditions.
To the Western eye the swastika is the symbol of Hitler and the Holocaust. To Hindus it is associated with auspiciousness and fertility.
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 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
Dinka mythology refers to the traditional religion and folk tales of the Dinka
Dinka mythology refers to the traditional religion and folk tales of the Dinka, or Muonyjang, ethnic group of South Sudan.
The supreme, creator god, Nhialic, is the god of the sky and rain, and the ruler of all the other gods and spirits. He is generally seen as distant from humans. Nhialic is also known as Jaak, Juong or Dyokin by other Nilotic groups such as the Nuer and Shilluk. Nhialac created ex-nihilo and rarely involves itself with the affairs of humans.
There are several versions of the Dinka creation myth which mainly concerns itself with the creation of humans. The first humans are Garang and Abuk. In some cases Nhialac created humans by blowing them out of its nose, other accounts say humans originated from the sky and were placed in the river where they came as fully formed adults. Other accounts say that humans were molded as clay figures and placed to mature in pots. Garang and Abuk were made out of the clay of Sudan.
Nhialac told them to multiply and that their children would die but would come back to life within 15 days. Garang protested that if nobody dies permanently then there would not be enough food. Nhialac then introduced permanent death. Nhialac commanded them to only plant one seed of grain a day or gave them one grain to eat a day. Being hungry everyday Abuk made a paste with the grain to make the food last longer. However, when Abuk disobeyed and planted more Nhialac cut the rope that connected Heaven and Earth.
The Akamba people, who live in Kenya, have a rich and diverse mythology
The Kamba or Akamba people are a Bantu ethnic group - or tribe - who live in the semi-arid formerly Eastern Province of Kenya stretching east from Nairobi to Tsavo and north up to Embu, Kenya.
The Akamba people, who live in Kenya, have a rich and diverse mythology that includes many different stories and legends. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Akamba mythology:
The creation myth:
The Akamba believe that the world was created by a god named Mulungu, who formed the earth and sky, the sun and moon, and all living things.
The myth of the first woman:
According to Akamba legend, the first woman, named Wambui, was created from a rib taken from the first man, named Kintu.
The myth of the first fire:
The Akamba believe that fire was brought to earth by a bird named Kibokolo, who stole it from the gods and gave it to humans.
The myth of the first fruit trees:
The Akamba believe that the first fruit trees were created by a goddess named Nzambi, who planted them in the garden of the first man and woman.
The myth of the first death:
The Akamba believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Kibuka, who punished humans for their disobedience.
The myth of the first rain:
The Akamba believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Kibuka, who punished humans for their disobedience.
Please note that this is just a small sample of the Akamba mythology stories, and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Akamba people.
The Sami people are an indigenous people of the Arctic regions
According to the Sámi world view, man and nature were one. To the Sámi people, nature was home, a way of life, the past and the future. In the Sámi world view, as in that of other arctic peoples, the well-being of man and nature alike was directly dependent upon the balance between the two.
The Sami people are an indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their traditional belief system is known as Sami mythology, which includes a rich collection of myths, legends, and religious beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Sami mythology:
The story of the creation of the world: According to Sami mythology, the world was created by the god, Radien-attje, who is the supreme god and creator of the universe.
The story of the Sami ancestor: The Sami ancestor is the first human being created by the god, Radien-attje. This figure is considered as the first ancestor of the Sami people and his children are considered as the founders of different Sami tribes and clans.
The story of the spirits: Sami mythology is rich with different kind of spirits, such as animal spirits, ancestor spirits, and nature spirits, who are believed to have great power and influence over the natural world.
The story of the shamans: In Sami mythology, shamans are considered as powerful intermediaries between the human and the spiritual world. They are known for their ability to communicate with spirits and to heal the sick through their spiritual powers.
The story of the Nattravnen: Nattravnen is a spirit of the night, known for its ability to shape-shift and for its mischievous nature. It is often depicted as a bird or an owl.
These myths, along with others, are used by the Sami people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. The Sami traditional religion was based on animism, ancestor worship, and shamanism.
The Lugbara people believe in a single creator, called Woot
The Lugbara people are an ethnic group living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. They have a rich mythology that has been passed down through generations, and their stories are a source of pride and identity for the Lugbara people.
The Lugbara people believe in a single creator, called Woot, who is responsible for the creation of the world and all its inhabitants. They also believe in a pantheon of lesser gods, each with their own sphere of influence. For example, Nyambe is the god of rain, and there is also a god of war, a god of the hunt, and a god of love.
The Lugbara people also believe in a number of supernatural beings, such as spirits and ghosts. These beings can be benevolent or malevolent, and they often take the form of animals or other creatures. It is believed that these beings can influence the lives of humans, either for good or for ill.
The Lugbara people have a number of stories and legends about their gods and supernatural creatures. One of the most famous is the story of Nyambe and the Great Snake. According to the story, Nyambe was out hunting one day when he encountered a giant snake. Nyambe managed to defeat the snake, and as a reward, the gods gave him the power to control the weather and the seasons.
The stories and legends of the Lugbara people are an important part of their culture, and they are still told and retold to this day. They provide a fascinating insight into the beliefs and values of the Lugbara people, and offer a unique window into their history and mythology.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Mythological legends and deities
persian-mythology
Heroic figure in Persian folklore, who led a revolt against the tyrant Zahhak and helped liberate the people.
Greek-mythology
Munichus (or Munychus), Son of Panteucles
Munichus (or Munychus), the son of Panteucles, is a figure in Greek mythology about whom very little is known. His mention in the classical myths is minimal, and he does not feature prominently in the famous Greek legends.
Limited Information
The character of Munichus appears to be one of the many lesser-known figures in Greek mythology. Due to the loss of numerous ancient texts over time or the possibility that he was only mentioned in localized myths, detailed information about Munichus is scarce.
Character Significance
While Munichus does not play a major role in the well-known Greek myths, his mention suggests he was part of a family with some standing. Characters mentioned in Greek mythology often have connections to nobility, royalty, or significant societal status.
Exploring Obscure Mythological Figures
For those interested in the more obscure aspects of Greek mythology, Munichus represents the many characters who are part of the expansive family trees or local stories overshadowed by the more famous myths. Academic resources or specialized texts in classical studies may provide further insights into such lesser-known figures.
Celtic-mythology
While widely known as one of the major gods of Gaul during Roman times, the origins of Taranis probably harked back to far older (and ancient) Celtic traditions. As we mentioned before, according to Lucan, Taranis formed a triad of Celtic gods (along with Toutatis and Esus), and as such, he was regarded as the god of thunder, thus drawing obvious comparisons to Roman Jupiter (and Greek Zeus). Even in the visual scale, the god was portrayed with a lightning bolt, thus bearing more similarity to Zeus. However, literally, on the other hand, Taranis was also depicted with a solar wheel – one of the most prevalent symbols found on Celtic artifacts, which suggests his eminence in the related pantheon.
Bantu-mythology, Buganda-mythology
A legendary figure in Buganda mythology, believed to be the first human being and the ancestor of the Baganda people.
Norse-mythology
Beowulf is actually not part of Norse mythology but rather an epic poem from Anglo-Saxon (Old English) literature. While it is true that the poem features themes, characters, and settings that are reminiscent of Norse and Germanic folklore, it is distinct from the mythological traditions of the Norse, such as those found in the Eddas or sagas. "Beowulf" is considered one of the most important works of Old English literature. It's an epic narrative poem composed by an unknown author, estimated to have been written between the 8th and early 11th centuries. The poem consists of 3,182 alliterative lines, and it is set in Scandinavia. The story revolves around the eponymous hero, Beowulf, a warrior of the Geats (a North Germanic tribe inhabiting what is now Sweden). The poem is divided into three parts: Beowulf's Battle with Grendel: Beowulf comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall has been under attack by a monster known as Grendel. Beowulf slays Grendel barehanded, thereby saving Hrothgar's kingdom. Beowulf's Battle with Grendel's Mother: Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son's death, and Beowulf ventures into her underwater lair to confront her. He defeats her with the aid of a magical sword found in her hoard. Beowulf's Final Battle and Death: The last part of the poem jumps forward many years, showing Beowulf as a wise and aged king of the Geats. He faces his final challenge in the form of a dragon guarding a treasure hoard. Beowulf slays the dragon but is mortally wounded in the battle. The poem concludes with his funeral rites and a lament for the fallen hero. While "Beowulf" shares some thematic elements with Norse mythology — such as the focus on heroism, the supernatural, and the notion of fate — it remains a distinct and separate work, deeply rooted in the Anglo-Saxon culture and its literary tradition. The poem is valuable not only for its literary merits but also for its insights into the social and cultural aspects of the Anglo-Saxon world.
Etruscan-mythology
The god of the forest and wildlife, often depicted with a bow and accompanied by woodland creatures.
Greek-mythology
Menelaus, in Greek mythology, king of Sparta and younger son of Atreus, king of Mycenae; the abduction of his wife, Helen, led to the Trojan War. During the war Menelaus served under his elder brother Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces.
Bantu-mythology
A powerful and feared spirit in Bantu mythology, associated with strength, stealth, and protection of sacred places.
Greek-mythology
Heracles, Greek Herakles, Roman Hercules, one of the most famous Greco-Roman legendary heroes. Traditionally, Heracles was the son of Zeus and Alcmene (see Amphitryon), granddaughter of Perseus. Zeus swore that the next son born of the Perseid house should become ruler of Greece, but—by a trick of Zeus’s jealous wife, Hera—another child, the sickly Eurystheus, was born first and became king. When Heracles grew up, he had to serve Eurystheus and also suffer the vengeful persecution of Hera; his first exploit was the strangling of two serpents that she had sent to kill him in his cradle
Greek-mythology
Cadmus was the founder and first king of Thebes in Greek mythology. He was the son of King Agenor and Queen Telephassa of the Phoenician city of Tyre, and brother of Phoenix, Cilix and Europa.
Norse-mythology
Halga, Helgi, Helghe or Helgo was a legendary Danish king living in the early 6th century.[1] His name would in his own language (Proto-Norse) have been *Hailaga[2] (dedicated to the gods). Scholars generally agree that he appears in both Anglo-Saxon (Beowulf) and Scandinavian tradition (Norse sagas and Danish chronicles).[3] In both traditions, he was a Scylding, the son of Healfdene and the brother of Hroðgar. In Beowulf, his relationship to Hroðulf is not explained, but if he was not his father, as in the Scandinavian tradition, he was at least his uncle. Both traditions also mention his family's feud with Froda and Ingeld. Whereas, not much is said about Halga in Anglo-Saxon sources, much more is said in Scandinavian ones, all of them containing a version of the story of his incestuous relationship with his own daughter Yrsa. This liaison resulted in Halga's son Hroðulf.
Arabian-mythology, Persian-mythology
A benevolent mythical bird in Persian and Arabian mythology, often depicted as a wise and nurturing creature.
Movies inspired by Mythology
If adventure has a name... it must be Indiana Jones.
A prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) set in 1935, the year before, the professor, archaeologist and adventurer by the name of Indiana Jones is back in action in his latest adventure. This time he teams up with a nightclub singer named Wilhelmina "Willie" Scott and a twelve-year-old Chinese boy named Short Round. They end up in a small distressed village in India, where the people believe that evil spirits have taken all their children away after a sacred precious stone was stolen. They also discover the great mysterious terror surrounding a booby-trapped temple known as the Temple of Doom. Thuggee is beginning to attempt to rise once more, believing that with the power of all five Sankara stones they can rule the world. It's all up to Indiana to put an end to the Thuggee campaign, rescue the lost children, win the girl and conquer the Temple of Doom. Written by Anthony Pereyra In 1935, Indiana Jones arrives in India, still part of the British Empire, and is asked to find a mystical stone. He then stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human...
There was darkness.
Thousands of years ago, a race of beings known as Dark Elves tried to send the universe into darkness by using a weapon known as the Aether. Warriors from Asgard stopped them, but their leader Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) escaped to wait for another opportunity. The warriors find the Aether, and since it cannot be destroyed, they try to hide it. In the present day, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) awaits the return of Thor (Chris Hemsworth), although it has been two years since they last saw once another. In the meantime, Thor has been trying to bring peace to the nine realms. Jane discovers an anomaly similar to the one that brought Thor to Earth. She goes to investigate, finds a wormhole, and is sucked into it. Back on Asgard, Thor wishes to return to Earth, but his father, Odin (Sir Anthony Hopkins), refuses to let him. Thor learns from Heimdall (Idris Elba), who can see into all of the realms, that Jane disappeared. Thor then returns to Earth just as Jane reappears. However, when some Policemen try to arrest her, an unknown energy repulses them. Thor then brings Jane to Asgard to find out what happened to her. When the energy is released again, they discover that when Jane disappeared, she crossed paths with the Aether and it entered her. Malekith, upon sensing that the time to strike is now, seeks out the Aether. He attacks Asgard and Thor's mother Frigga (Rene Russo) is killed protecting Jane. Odin wants to keep Jane on Asgard so that Malekith will come. Thor disagrees with his plan, so with his cohorts, he decides to take Jane away. He enlists the aid of his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Unfortunately, Loki's motivations remain unknown. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com When the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.
An Epic Journey of Adventure and Discovery
The warrior King Odysseus leaves his idyllic life in the kingdom of Ithaca to fight in the Trojan War. After winning the war, he now must endure a lengthy, ten-year journey to return, and with all his wits, Odysseus must overcome deadly monsters, powerful forces of nature, seductive enchantresses, and even journey into the bowels of the Underworld. Season: 1 Year: 1997
Unraveling the secrets of an Ancient Curse.
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,...
Every man has a destiny
In Ancient Greece 1200 B.C., a queen succumbs to the lust of Zeus to bear a son promised to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and restore peace to a land in hardship. But this prince, Hercules, knows nothing of his real identity or his destiny. He desires only one thing: the love of Hebe, Princess of Crete, who has been promised to his own brother. When Hercules learns of his greater purpose, he must choose: to flee with his true love or to fulfill his destiny and become the true hero of his time. The story behind one of the greatest myths is revealed in this action-packed epic - a tale of love, sacrifice and the strength of the human spirit. Written by Millennium Entertainment The origin story of the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to...
