Hercules and the Hero of Athens is an episode of Hercules: The Animated Series. It aired on October 17, 1998.
Summary[]
While on a tour which explains why the olive tree is the symbol of Athens, Hercules, Icarus and Cassandra are attacked by the Nemean Lion (Jeremy Piven). Hercules saves the day by knocking the Lion out, but his rap sheet is so long he'll go to prison for the damage he caused, so Icarus takes the blame; it also turns out he takes responsibility for defeating the Nemean Lion as well. Believing himself to be a true hero, Icarus visits Phil for training, who refuses; Icarus instead moonlights as a superhero, facing the Nemean Lion only to have it knocked out again by Hercules. Angry that his friend is getting all the credit, he explains to Icarus that he defeated the Nemean Lion both times. Icarus, refusing to believe, faces the Lion after it escapes once more, without Hercules, realizing that he didn't defeat the Lion. Hercules comes to his aid at the last second, defeating the Nemean Lion once more, while Icarus gives up the superhero act.
Trivia[]
- In Greek Myth, the Nemean Lion was the first of the 12 Labours of Hercules.
- During the tour, a puppet show is performed showing the founding of Athens.
- Mechanicles makes a cameo during the musical sequence.
- Chipacles' rundown of Herc's rap sheet includes clips from Hercules and the Apollo Mission and Hercules and the Assassin. The flashback to the Colossus of Rhodes was made for this episode.
