Due largely to its comedic approach, Disney’s animated movie Hercules naturally took a number of creative liberties when it comes to Greek mythology. Hercules tells the story of Zeus’s son, gifted with superhuman strength, trying to prove himself a hero worthy of becoming a god. As part of The Disney Renaissance, Hercules combines classic storytelling, bold animation, and Broadway-style musical numbers. Alan Menken, who composed the music for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, created the songs in Hercules which tell the story in a fun, stylized way.

Hercules is known for its comedic tone and whimsical storytelling. Though the story is set in ancient Greece, the movie is filled with modern references. From the very opening narration, the Muses, styled as a contemporary gospel choir, taking over with a “lighten up, dude,” letting the audience know this isn’t a stodgy “Greek tragedy.” The...