![]() ![]() The key points here are that Hades makes bargains and assaults Olympus in a takeover attempt. These deceptive deals enable him to forward his own agenda of releasing the Titans and attacking Olympus so that he may rule in the upper world. He makes deals with two characters in the movie, promising them something they want and then delivering only in the most literal sense possible. Hades appears with a crown of flames on his head and can summon fire with a snap of his fingers. The Hades of Disney’s “Hercules” is a fast-talking and flaming deal-maker who plots to dethrone Zeus. This deception and manipulation by Hades becomes more fruitful when compared with modern characterizations. Hades knows what eating the pomegranate will mean for her but he neglects to tell her the consequences. Hades does not act against the will of Zeus in either kidnapping or returning Persephone, yet he tricks Persephone in order to keep her. ![]() ![]() There are important points to note in this familiar myth, however Hades’ action is divinely sanctioned and he receives credit for deceiving Persephone with the pomegranate (at least in Apollodorus’ account). Although he perpetrates the capture of Persephone, most versions of the story focus on Demeter’s search and grief. There are not many myths related to Hades in ancient literature and where he does appear he is an ancillary character. In this paper I will examine the presentation of Hades in Disney’s “Hercules” and in Rick Riordan’s "The Lightning Thief" (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One), exploring how they reflect ancient and modern ideas about the Lord of the Underworld. Characterizations of Hades in children’s media in particular show the influence of Judeo-Christian belief systems tempered by ancient attitudes. While the Hades of Greco-Roman literature is best known as the kidnapper of Persephone, today his role has shifted to that of war-maker and master manipulator. ABSTRACT: "Hades is not often discussed in ancient literature, but his influence on contemporary depictions of the ancient world is noticeable.
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