The only child of Zeus and Hera, Hercules has an alarmingly loving upbringing. Born with unparalleled strength, it is foreseen that he would purge the world of a great and terrible evil. Hades, said evildoer, is instantly discouraged and tries to kill the little infant. But instead of death Hercules simply becomes mortal. Finding himself on Earth, he is mistaken as a "gift from the gods," and is warmly adopted by a farming couple in Greece, Amphitryon and Alcmene.

As Hercules develops into a tall, gawky youth, his strength becomes a natural asset to the farm. Unfortunately, he's less than welcome to the rest of the community; dubbed "dangerous," "a menace," and even a "freak," an unhappy Hercules feels that "[he's] supposed to be ... someplace else." He finds out exactly where "someplace else" is -- Mount Olympus, to be exact, and travels to the temple of Zeus. Told of his true birth, he must find Philoctetes and become a "true hero" in order to return to the kingdom of the gods. Reunited with his childhood friend, Pegasus, the two set off for the satyr's island.

Finding himself on the Isle of Idra, he finds the very jaded Philoctetes who, at first, refuses to train him. But when reminded of his own dreams, Phil reluctantly agrees. After two years of exhausting training, Hercules develops into a robust, handsome eighteen-year-old.

Eager to "see battles and monsters, rescue some damsels, you know, heroic stuff," the three leave for Thebes. Along the way, they are deterred by Nessus, a powerful centaur, but Hercules is deterred only by the young woman in his clutches, Megara. Despite a few mistakes, Hercules welcomes the challenge, and eventually wins the short-lived battle. Unfortunately, that was the easy part; the brunette damsel seemingly ignores Hercules' open infatuation. Dismissing the three, they finally land in Thebes. Though initially rejected as a mere "amateur," Hercules is soon celebrated for his efforts against the menacing Hydra, a reptilian creature with several heads. Threats thereafter are also dealt with by Herc, and before long he is established as Greece's lead hero.

But despite valiant efforts and gallant endeavour, a frustrated Herc learns that fame and popularity are not results of selfless heroism. Dejected with his abundant prestige and celebrity, his spirits are lifted by a visit from Megara. Upon suggesting that the two "[play] hooky this afternoon," a reluctant Hercules enjoys his night on the town with the purple siren. A restaurant by the bay, and an Oedipus play later, the two confide affections to each other in Megara's garden.

Later that night, Phil does a bit of confiding of his own: news that Megara has been "playin' [him] for a sap." Greatly distressed, Hercules responds angrily to the accusation, and is terrified when Hades then appears, holding the delicate Meg captive. He will only free her if Hercules agrees to his conditions: "You give up your strength for about twenty-four hours, okay? Say, the next twenty-four hours and Meg here is free as a bird and safe from harm. [...] Meg is safe, otherwise you get your strength right back." Unfortunately, Hercules agrees just before Hades confirms the truth: "Your little chickie-poo here was working for me all the time. Duh." As a cyclops wildly rampages through Thebes -- commissioned by Hades as he wields his power -- Hercules offers absolutely no resistance to the monster, now feeling absolutely no reason to.

But Phil, persuaded to return by Megara, encourages Herc, who soon triumphs in the defeat of the cyclops. Yet Hercules, again in danger, is unusually saved by Megara, who throws herself in the way of a descending pillar that would have immediately crushed him. Mortified, Hercules scrambles to her side, only to learn that "people do crazy things when they're in love." Equipped with his strength and empowered by Megara's love, he mounts Pegasus and the two venture to Mount Olympus.

The gods enslaved under a ruling Hades, Hercules removes their chains and purges the world of his fierce allies, the Titans. Fleeing, Hades promises to retain "one swell consolation prize" in his defeat, and instantly kills Megara. Mourning her loss on Earth, Herc ventures into the Underworld to settle things. In exchange for Megara, Hercules offers himself to the Lord of the Underworld, of which is quickly accepted. However, upon the brink of gathering Meg into his arms, his godhood is restored: in this selfless act, he has earned genuine immortality.

Kneeling at her side, Megara's sharp breath signals life, and the two are transported to Olympus. Greeted by Zeus and Hera, he is offered "everything that [he's] ever dreamed of ... but life without Meg, even an immortal life, would be empty." Declining his reward, he seals his pact with a kiss, deciding that not within a place has he received love and understanding, but with a person.