Fights between brothers are common in classical mythology so adding this aspect drives home the links to the ancient world. Another interesting element is that both depictions emphasize war, what in fact would be civil, brotherly war. What is unexpected is that these depictions of Hades exaggerate a trait that exists yet is underplayed in ancient literature. Examining contemporary characterizations of Hades indicates a clear, and not unexpected, influence from the Judeo-Christian tradition. Indeed familial war does break out in the series, but it is the familiar generational war between the Titans and Olympians. He also reminds us of civil war, as the impending war between Zeus and Poseidon is attributed to his machinations. Riordan credits Hades with traits associated with the devil, although ultimately this Hades recalls the gloomy god of Homer or Ovid. Nevertheless, for the majority of the book Hades is portrayed as a puppet master creating deceptions and engineering a take over of Olympus. Percy realizes that Hades too has been framed while the goal of starting a war remains the same the perpetrator is Kronos, not Hades.

In chapter 19 Percy and his companions make it to the Underworld and confront Hades only to discover that Hades never sought war and does not have the bolt. Hades’ supposed goal is to start a war between Zeus and Poseidon in order to increase his own power. Percy has been framed for the theft of Zeus’ master bolt, but rumor has it that Hades is behind the theft. In Riordan’s 'The Lightning Thief' Hades is initially cast as a manipulator trying to start a war among the Olympians. Disney blends aspects of the ancient and modern worlds in its characterization to make Hades both familiar and foreign. Brother fighting brother was not an unfamiliar idea in ancient mythology while typically in the classical world Hades is obedient to Zeus, in a modern setting writers have more freedom in his characterization. These points recall the devil of Judeo-Christian lore, but also recall the civil wars of the ancient world. 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.

Zeus and hades hercules