What If Hades Raised Hercules?
Part of the Disney Elseworlds series, this adaptation of Hercules tells of what if Hades had Hercules stolen away from Zeus, and decides to raise him in the Underworld as an asset to his plans. With the help of the spunky daughter of Hades, Persephone, Hercules travels through the Underworld to find out the truth of his past and put a stop to Hades' plans of conquest.
This Fanscription contains examples of:
- Adapted Out: Megara, Phil, and Pegasus; though it's suggested they could possibly appear in a theoretical animated series set during Herc's and Persephone's Underworld adventures. Walter also mentioned that the Fates were cut from the story as well during scripting the episode.
- Adaptational Relationship Overhaul:
- Alcmene is Hercules's birth mother as like the proper Greek myth, instead of the boy's adoptive mother on Earth.
- Hera is unrelated to Hercules here and instead plots with Hades to kill the demigod.
- Amphitryon likewise is only shown as a random farmer who Hades makes a deal with earlier in the story.
- Persephone goes from being Hades' wife to his daughter.
- Adaptational Villainy: Truer to Greek mythology, Hera takes on a more antagonistic role alongside Hades to attempt to dethrone Zeus.
- Bowdlerise: Despite being darker than the original animated movie, the more extreme aspects of the myth of Hercules are softened, so sorry to say, no hedonist Zeus.
- Brought Downto Normal: After Hades and Hera are defeated, Persephone pricks Hera with the dagger she used to kill Zeus and transforms her into a portly mortal woman. The humiliated former goddess promptly leaves in a huff afterwards.
- Composite Character: Persephone takes on elements of both Megara and Philoctetes in being both Hercules' guide through the Underworld and Hercules' love interest.
- Crapsack World: The state of the mortal world in part due to Zeus's neglect.
- Darker and Edgier: Certainly more heavy in tone than the original Disney movie, with more perilous moments and themes of death.
- Deadpan Snarker: Goes with the territory for Hades.
- Deal with the Devil: Also typical for Hades, as he is shown early on haggling with a farmer for his soul in exchange for a more vibrant harvest.Hades: If you want those prayers (of yours) answered, you better start lookin' down.
- Death by Adaptation: Alcmene and Zeus, when Hera has him stabbed by a dagger with the power to kill even Gods.
- Demoted to Extra: Pain and Panic play a far more diminished role in the story compared to the original movie; the main extent of their involvement being sent to search for Hercules and Persephone in the Underworld. The Titans are also only mentioned in the beginning in a summation of the beginning of the world, and aren't seen again until Hades is trapped in the prison void with them at the end of the story.
- Dream Weaver: Morpheus; given his position as the God of Dreams allows him to influence the sleeping dreams of mortals and Gods alike. He is also responsible for Herc's recurring visions of his mother Alcmene.
- Fantastic Racism: Hades and Hera hold intense contempt towards mortal humans, and consider Hercules' existence as an affront against the Gods.
- Fate Worse than Death: Hera sees being made mortal in the aftermath of the final battle as this.
- Go to Your Grove!: Invoked by Hades when he catches Persephone interacting with Hercules in their first meeting.
- Heroic BSoD: Zeus after he finds Alcmene dead and Hercules missing in the start of the story.
- In the Hood: Hades has Hercules wear a black hood while up on the mortal world to hide his identity. Apparently, Herc had his hood down several times before to witness human culture that Hades becomes irritated and pulls the hood back over as he sees the boy observing the farmer's wife caring for her child.Hades: How many times do I have to tell you, when we're in "Mortal Land", You never. Take. The hood off! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!
Hercules: (in a defeated tone) Yes, Master... - Rage Breaking Point: Hades, natch; but used to horrifying effect in the climax when Zeus musters up all of his power to unleash a powerful thunderbolt to attempt to obliterate Hades, before Hercules jumps in to intervene.Zeus: I gave you chance after chance to peacefully surrender, and every time you spat in my face. If you won't yield, then I suppose you, the Earth, and the Underworld can start from scratch.
Hades: W-wait, w-we can talk about this; I mean, c'mon, it's me! - Related Differently in the Adaptation: Persephone is the daughter of both Demeter and Hades, who are apparently divorced and share custody of her.
- Sequel Hook: Honoring a deal he made with God of Dreams Morpheus, Hercules puts Morpheus in charge of the Underworld; as he takes great glee in beginning his new reign, with dubious intentions...
