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\\nThis may be the best podcast episode you\\u2019ve ever heard, and that\\u2019s the gospel truth. We\\u2019re munching on protein bars and raw chicken as we discuss Disney\\u2019s Hercules (1997) with Professor Alastair Blanshard.
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\\nStatue of Hercules in Shrewsbury - a copy of the Farnese Hercules. Hercules leans wearily on his club, which is covered by his lionskin. Carrying out all these labours is hard work! Courtesy of Elliot Brown on Flickr.
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\\nProfessor Blanshard literally wrote the book on Hercules, as well as several chapters on his representation in film. We are so lucky to have him on our show as he is not just a gigantic Hercules fanboy. He is currently the Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History at The University of Queensland and one of the most hilarious historians you will ever meet.
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\\nThe Birth of Hercules
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\\nDisney\\u2019s Hercules came out during one of the most successful animated movie streaks for the studio. However, the film was a little different to the Disney Princess films such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. It was also pitched at a slightly older, male audience, and used the story of Hercules to explore the awkward journey from adolescence to manhood.  
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\\nAs people have learnt about muscle development and nutrition has changed, Hercules has often been played by bodybuilders like Steeve Reeves and more recently Dwayne \'The Rock\' Johnson. Image of Steeve Reeves, courtesy of John Irving on Flickr.
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\\nDisney does not always provide the most faithful representation of Hercules\\u2019 story. How do you turn a myth about a serial murderer, a drunkard and a glutton into an exploration of what it means to be a true hero? Never you fear \\u2013 Disney has all the answers!
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\\nThis film blends stories of Hercules, such as his strangling of the snakes as a baby and the Twelve Labours, with so many other elements from contemporary American society. Whilst Hercules was not quite as successful as other Disney movies of this era, there is a lot to love about this representation.
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\\nThe Greeks were not afraid to rework their own mythology, and it seems like Disney followed in their footsteps.
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\\nHercules having a chat with his father in Zeus\' temple at Olympia in Disney\'s Hercules (1997). Courtesy of Adam Hammond.
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\\nJoin us for this fascinating conversation about the Disneyfication of a Greek hero. We delve into the characterisation of all your favourite characters: Meg, Phil, Hades, and of course, the man of the hour.
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\\nSpecial Episode - Disney\'s Hercules (1997)
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\\nIf you would like to read more from Professor Blanshard, you can find a list of publications on his university profile. You can also find his contributions on The Conversations here.
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\\nSound Credits
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\\nOur music is courtesy of Bettina joy de Guzman,
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\\nIntelligent Speech Tickets
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\\nJoin us at the Intelligent Speech Conference this year! The event will be held online on November 4. You can buy tickets here and watch the...'