The Legend of Hercules 2014

In 1200 BC, amidst the backdrop of ancient Greece, King Amphitryon of Tires launches an invasion on the shores of Argos. The two formidable armies stand ready to engage in a fierce battle. With aspirations of dominion, Amphitryon brokers a pact with the opposing King Galenus: they will fight to the death, with the victor claiming the defeated king’s realm and troops. Amphitryon swiftly bests Galenus, seizing power and territory.

That evening, in a moment of marital confrontation, Queen Alcmene, the estranged wife of Amphitryon, visits. He boasts of his victory, claiming it was for her sake, to which she retorts that his lust for power drove him. She is repulsed by her husband’s warmongering ways and prays to Hera for counsel. A mysterious woman appears before her, revealing herself as Hera, the wife of Zeus, prophesying that Alcmene will bear a son who will be the savior of her people. The only other person present for this moment is Chiron, her devoted advisor.

As Amphitryon revels in his triumph, a divine encounter unfolds where Alcmene is seduced by Zeus. Amphitryon discovers her in the act and, in his jealousy, believes she has been unfaithful. Alcmene soon gives birth to a robust baby boy, whom Amphitryon names Alcides, unaware that she has privately acknowledged him as Hercules.

Two decades later, a strong and charismatic Hercules/Alcides rides through the idyllic countryside with his beloved, Hebe. They share tender moments by a secluded lake, where Alpides admires Hebe’s cherished necklace, a gift from her mother, which she then bestows upon him. However, their peace is shattered when they are found by Iphicles, Hercules’ older brother, who leads a search party for Hebe, a princess of Crete. Soon after, they are ambushed by a lion, which Hercules bravely wrestles, ultimately defeating it. Iphicles, taking credit for the victory, publicly humiliates Hercules.

At a banquet hosted by Amphitryon, the engagement of Iphicles and Hebe is announced, leaving Hercules and Hebe heartbroken, prompting them to hatch a plan to escape together. Their flight is thwarted as they are chased by royal guards, leading to a near-drowning incident in which Hercules saves Hebe. Subsequently, Hercules is coerced by his father to join a military campaign in Egypt.

Before departing, Alcyone reveals Hercules’ true heritage, but he dismisses her claims as madness. As he embarks on his journey, he vows to return to Hebe in three moons’ time. In the blistering Egyptian desert, Captain Sotiris leads Hercules’ company, but the team soon faces dire circumstances when they are ambushed. Although they are captured and sold into slavery, Sotiris and Hercules showcase their prowess in gladiatorial combat, eventually earning the chance to fight in Greece.

Meanwhile, back in Greece, Alcmene and Hebe grieve over Hercules’ presumed demise. Alcmene, in despair, seeks Hera’s guidance once more. Confronted by Amphitryon, she reveals that she took Zeus as a lover to birth the child destined to overthrow him. In a fit of rage, Amphitryon kills Alcmene, making it appear as if she had taken her own life.

Driven by vengeance, Hercules ultimately returns, defeating a group of gladiators and rallying former soldiers of Amphitryon’s army to his side. When Chiron informs him of his mother’s death, Hercules resolves to avenge her.

As tensions escalate, Hebe, distraught over her impending marriage to Iphicles, attempts to end her life but is saved by Chiron. Resolved, they regroup at Hercules’ secure haven, where they face the daunting challenge posed by Amphitryon and Iphicles.

Captured and imprisoned, Hercules witnesses the execution of Chiron at Iphicles’ command, igniting a furious resentment within him. Calling upon his heritage, he breaks free and slays Amphitryon’s guards. A sweeping battle ensues, where Hercules, his might amplified by divine power, confronts his father’s soldiers.

Finally, in a fierce duel with Amphitryon, Hercules is met with a critical choice when Iphicles holds Hebe hostage. She, however, takes the dagger and mortally wounds Iphicles, leading to Amphitryon’s end at Hercules’ hands. As the dust settles, Hercules finds Hebe, who soon gives birth to their child, restoring peace. Hercules stands over his new kingdom, embracing his destiny and newfound family.