The Loves of Hercules

While Hercules is away, Ecalia's army raids his village and destroys what remains. His wife is killed in the chaos, and the loss sparks the hero's desire for revenge. The tragedy sets in motion the conflict that will dominate the story.

Licos, the king's chief minister, murders Eurysteus to seize the throne. He schemes to present the murder as a battlefield death so Hercules cannot be blamed and the crown remains within his reach. His plot aims to destabilize the realm and position himself as the rightful ruler.

Hercules consults an oracle and learns of the king's murder from a survivor. He resolves to seek vengeance against those who betrayed him and his wife. The revelation pushes him toward a confrontation with the conspirators.

Deianira volunteers her life to save the kingdom from further bloodshed, hoping to spare the realm from civil strife. The act places Hercules at a crossroads between mercy and law. The newly crowned queen's gesture frames the trial the hero must face.

Deianira is bound to a wall as Hercules hurls axes toward her, testing whether she is innocent. He succeeds in severing the bonds, proving her innocence to the people. The crowd witnesses a dramatic moment that legitimizes her claim and elevates her status.

Licos hatches a new plan to marry Deianira and rule through her. He believes that controlling her future will consolidate his grip on Ecalia's throne. The plot intensifies the tension between Hercules and the conspirators.

While escorting Deianira toward the capital, they encounter peasants attacked by a monstrous creature. Hercules takes action to defend them and also slays a wild bull with his dagger when their path is threatened. The journey strengthens the bond between hero and heroine as danger closes in.

In the city, Hercules discovers Deianira is betrothed to Achelous, whom Licos has sent to challenge him. The intent is to force Hercules into a fatal duel and remove him as a rival for Deianira’s hand. The scheme shows Licos’ willingness to weaponize romance for political ends.

Deianira pleads with Hercules not to abandon her or Ecalia. Moved by her plea, he contemplates staying, but ultimately decides to leave and protect her by withdrawing. This decision sets the stage for Licos' decisive counter-move.

Licos has Achelous killed with the dagger Hercules left behind in the bull, hoping to frame Hercules. He does not expect Hercules to return to clear his name. True to his word, Hercules rushes back to confront the conspiracy and defend Deianira.

Licos sends the real killer, Philoctetes, beyond the gates of the Underworld, betting that Hercules will pursue and be slain by the Hydra. The trap hinges on Hercules' sense of justice and his willingness to follow Philoctetes into danger. The Hydra becomes the deadly test of Hercules' innocence.

Philoctetes is killed by the Hydra, and Hercules battles the beast but is left unconscious from the fight. He is rescued by Amazons loyal to Queen Hippolyta, who is seeking to win his favor through a drastic ruse. Hippolyta's advisor urges transforming her appearance to resemble Deianira.

Deianira discovers Licos’ scheming and is imprisoned by his hand. Hercules escapes capture with the help of the Amazon Nemea, who sacrifices herself in the process. Hippolyta’s plan grows tangled as her lovers are transformed into trees and danger closes in.

Hercules returns to Ecalia at the head of an army to overthrow Licos. He leads a decisive battle that ends Licos's rule and restores order to the kingdom. The realm begins to recover under Hercules' leadership.

Licos tries to escape with Deianira as a hostage, but he is strangled to death by the monster Alcione. Hercules then kills Alcione and rescues Deianira from danger. The couple's fate is finally secured as order is restored.