The Messed Up Origins of Megara | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

John Solo discusses the differences between Disney's Hercules and the original Greek myths, particularly focusing on the character of Megara, highlighting her importance in Hercules' adventures and tragic fate in various versions of the myth. The text details Megara's sacrifice for Hercules, their marriage, her brutal death at the hands of Lycus, and Heracles' subsequent actions, concluding with the aftermath of Megara's death and Hercules' attempts at redemption.

Insights

  • John Solo delves into the discrepancies between Disney's portrayal of Megara in "Hercules" and the tragic figure depicted in the original Greek myths, emphasizing her pivotal role in the hero's narrative.
  • The complex and sorrowful tale of Megara unfolds through various mythological versions, detailing her sacrifices, tragic demise, and Hercules' subsequent actions, shedding light on the intricate web of fate and consequences in ancient Greek mythology.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Megara in Disney's Hercules?

    Megara is a character in Disney's Hercules movie, portrayed as a strong and independent woman who plays a significant role in Hercules' adventures.

  • What is the tragic story of Megara in Greek myths?

    In Greek myths, Megara is the daughter of King Creon of Thebes and is married to Hercules. However, due to Hera's curse on Hercules, he becomes mad and tragically kills Megara and their children.

  • How does Hercules' story differ in Roman and Greek versions?

    In Roman versions, such as Seneca's play, Megara meets a brutal end at the hands of Lycus. In Greek versions, like Euripides', Heracles' madness leads to the deaths of his family, including Megara.

  • What is the connection between Megara and Hercules in Thebes?

    Megara's background as the daughter of King Creon of Thebes links her to Hercules' involvement in the city. Hercules intervenes in Thebes against the Minyans, marries Megara, and has children with her.

  • How does Megara's story end in Greek mythology?

    Megara's tragic fate varies in different versions of Greek mythology, with her death at the hands of Hercules or given to his cousin Iolaus. Despite waiting for Hercules, she faces a heartbreaking end due to his madness and actions.

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Summary

00:00

"Disney's Hercules: Megara's Tragic Tale"

  • John Solo introduces the Disney Collect app as the sponsor of the episode, expressing his love for Disney's Hercules movie.
  • He highlights the differences between Disney's Hercules and the original Greek myths, particularly focusing on Megara's character.
  • John Solo acknowledges his lack of attention to Megara in previous videos and emphasizes her importance in Hercules' adventures.
  • The tragic story of Megara in the original myth is outlined, detailing her sacrifice for Hercules and their eventual happy ending.
  • Megara's background as the daughter of King Creon of Thebes is explained, linking her to Hercules' involvement in the city.
  • Hercules' intervention in Thebes against the Minyans, his marriage to Megara, and the birth of their children are recounted.
  • Hera's curse on Hercules, leading to his madness and the tragic events involving Megara and their children, is described in various versions of the myth.
  • The Roman playwright Seneca's version of Megara's brutal death at the hands of Lycus is detailed, along with Hercules' subsequent actions.
  • Another version by Euripides depicts a similar tragic fate for Megara, with Heracles' madness leading to the deaths of his family.
  • The summary concludes with the aftermath of Megara's death, highlighting the different versions of her fate and Hercules' attempts at redemption.

11:54

Heracles' tragic love life and demise.

  • King Odysseus saw Meg in the underworld but didn't say much about her, confirming her presence there.
  • Megara, daughter of Creon, was married to Heracles but he didn't stay with her despite her waiting for him.
  • Heracles survived his labors and either killed Megara or gave her to his cousin Iolaus, who had a daughter with her named Leipephilene.
  • Heracles later married Princess Deianira after a series of events involving archery contests, cattle theft, and war, leading to his tragic death due to a poisoned tunic.
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