Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2-11-2026
Department 1
First Year Seminar
Department 2
East Asian Studies
Abstract
Disney's Hercules is a model man in today's society who combines the best aspects of both masculinity and femininity. In the myths, however, Hercules was much different and did not act as such a bridge between femininity and masculinity at the time. Through other scholarly works, the way that masculinity, heroism, and instrumentalization are presented and used is examined. Mythological Herakles is found to be a much more aggressive archetype of a man rather than Hercules, who is based upon strength in moderation and a more social society. Each fit into the ideals of the society they come from, perpetuating certain roles and thoughts based on where and when in time the society is.
Copyright Note
This is the author's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Bautista, Noah, "Hercules in Myth and Animation: Masculinity and Heroism" (2026). CAFE Symposium 2026. 21.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/cafe2026/21
Included in
Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, History of Gender Commons
Comments
This poster was created based on work for FYS-W 113: Warriors, Enchantresses, & Beasts: Reimagining Tales of Myth and Magic from Brothers Grimm to China and presented as a part of the eleventh annual CAFE Symposium on February 11, 2026.