Zeus realizes that being an all-mighty ruler involves a lot of dull work and bureaucracy. In a nod to his role as the god of justice, Zeus must sit and judge in all kinds of trials which he finds boring. Hera quickly reminds him that he can choose to step down any time. Hera does not seem to truly trust Zeus and constantly reminds him that she can be better than him. Hence the series continues the presentation of Hera as a nagging and unkind person, (similarly to her ancient presentation in the Iliad). Yet Zeus in the story has a good nature and is caring. In this story Hera’s resentment of him appears as jealousy of his powers and success, as opposed to the ancient myths, where it is caused by Zeus’ infidelity. Although Hera is usually presented as malicious and irrational in her behaviour. Yet on the other hand, Hera’s constant bickering in the story makes Zeus works harder to show his worth to her and the others.
The myths referred to in this story are the Titanomachy which involved the assistance of Hercules (for example in Pindar’s Nemean Ode 1.55) and also the labours of Hercules including his fight with a giant crab, Carcinus during the labour of the Hydra. Due to the young audience and the lighter tone of this series, as an adventure tale aimed at young adolescents, the reason for Hercules to perform three tasks is rather trivial (throwing eggs at the palace) and the tragic element is removed.
Hercules is not portrayed as a hero in our story, similarly to Beasts of Olympus, although he is presented as more of a rascal than a true villain. In appearance, his muscular body and wavy blond hair are perhaps intended to indicate his good looks (Aphrodite is blond in this series as well), as well as recalling the 1997 Disney movie in which Hercules had brown-golden wavy hair.
While in the ancient myth of Heracles, Hera is the one who is jealous of Hercules, in this story Zeus seems the one more intrigued by him and is also offended by Hercules’ lies. Zeus is envious of Hercules’ future adventures which reminds him of his own previous adventures before his ascent to power. While they are not a family in this story and the identity of Hercules’ father remains unknown (Zeus even doubts that Hercules is truly a half-god as he boasts), the two of them get along well, while Zeus tries to educate and mend Hercules’ ways, similar to how an older sibling cares for his younger one. In the end, Zeus thinks, “Hercules was a liar, a braggart, a thief, and an annoying traveling companion. Even so, Zeus didn’t want anything bad to happen to the boy.” (p. 94). This shows Zeus’ maturity and empathy even to those who act badly. He tries to see the good in people and help them change their ways, even though Hercules remains bothersome. However, Hercules does admit to being scared of the Hydra and trying to hide it from Zeus. In a way, Hercules may remind Zeus of his former self, when he just began his journey and was scared and unsure. Just as Zeus’ siblings were there to help him when he needed so he is there for Hercules, even if the boy does not appreciate it yet. We feel that there is a strong connection between these two characters, they are like a family, Hercules being Zeus’ junior, even though they are not related in our story.
In keeping with these reversals of traditional myth, the Hydra, as in Lucy Coats’ Beasts of Olympus: Beast Keeper, is also not a fearsome monster; although she did scare sailors she never hurt anyone. Poseidon also vouches for her safety and is disappointed in Zeus when the Hydra is hurt and blames him for acting rashly.
To conclude, in this story Zeus needs to learn the duties of a king and that ruling is not an exciting role all the time. Yet he grows as a person by accompanying Hercules and learning that adventures are important but should not hurt others. Thus he learns more about his responsibilities as a ruler. The young readers learn how one can work together in a team, trusting each other and not be afraid to show others what they truly feel.
