1

Concept:
Heracles is a six-part series exploring the myth of Heracles more closely to the original Greek tales
which is to say; mud, blood and gore. The series is to be much darker in style than the many watered
down, family friendly versions of the myth available today; think Disneys Hercules for the Game of
Thrones and Spartacus generation.
The story centres around the eponymous character: Heracles, son of an adulterous affair between Zeus
and the mortal Alcmene. This affair sets the backbone for the series primary antagonist: Hera. As
Zeus wife, she despises Heracles as a living reminder of his infidelity, and has set her considerable
will upon his destruction. However, the infant Heracles is sheltered by Athena by an enchanted
necklace that nullifies Heras powers, and left in the care of the apothecarys assistant, Aristotle.
Many years later, Heracles is happily married to Megara with two children. Two Nymphs enter their
house, secretly stealing Athenas necklace. Not long after they disappear, Hera drives Heracles into a
killing rage which results in the death of his family and mortal injury of Persephone, his neighbours
wife. Aristotle is able to concoct a potion bringing Heracles to his senses, but the damage is done.
Heracles is sentenced by the King to perform labours in order to atone for his crimes. Each labour
provides the main story arc for each episode, over the series Heracles must forgive himself for his
familys deaths, and seek revenge on Hera for the suffering she has caused for his entire life.
Overarching Plot:
Sword of the Titans: Gifted to Heracles by Zeus, this sword can cut through literally anything but
will only allow itself to be drawn when the need is most dire. Heracles eventually uses it to kill Hera.
Zeus: Heracles appeals to his father for wisdom and guidance at shrines to the great god throughout
Greece. Think Mufasa, Ben Kenobi or Merlins Great Dragon.
Berserker Rage: As a mortal, Aristotle was unable to completely undo the work of a god. In times of
great duress, Heracles killing rage threatens to return.
Orpheus and Aristotle: Heracles most loyal allies. Aristotle is a skilled potion maker, with hints of the
supernatural about his abilities. Orpheus initially despised Heracles for Persephones fate, but after
Heracles saves her life (The first labour), he becomes Heracles stalwart supporter.
Each episode of Heracles is forty-five minutes in length, aimed at audiences of BBC and Sky
Atlantic. I will be submitting episode two; The Lion of Nemea, along with a single side A4 synopsis
of the overarching plot of the series. The series centres on the eponymous character, Heracles, who
kills his wife and children in a fit of madness under a curse. He seeks absolution by submitting to
perform labours for the good of the realm, but eventually comes to the realisation that he is not to
blame, and seeks to avenge his family on the caster of the curse. One labour forms the main story arc
for each episode, in episode two he completes two, cleaning the Augean Stables and slaying the
Nemean Lion.
If the series were to be successful enough to be picked up for further seasons, I would follow the
mould set by popular drama American Horror Story, in which each season is a stand-alone story,
and the same actors portray different characters from season to season. Further seasons would explore
different historical/mythical figures and events such as the siege of Troy, the assassination of Caesar
and the Greek invasion of Persia. Each episode of this season opens with a snapshot of Heracles
funeral, which sets the groundwork for the story of the episode: for example episode one opens with
Athena reassuring Zeus that he was a good father to Heracles, the episode that follows focuses on the

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circumstances of his birth. Episode two has Orpheus speak of Heracles as a great friend as his funeral,
the episode is about how Heracles overcame his enmity towards him and they became friends, etc.
SERIES OUTLINE
EPISODE ONE: THE CURSE OF HERA
EARTH Shadow animation depicting the story of Heracles birth by Zeus adulterous affair with
Alcmene, and Heras jealousy. Alcmene abandons Heracles at the roadside; he is found by the teenage
apothecarys assistant, Aristotle. Athena appears to Aristotle and tells him of the childs parentage,
asking him to look after the demi-god.
Heracles, now an adult, is at dinner with his wife and children and Aristotle when two nymphs steal a
necklace that hid him from Hera. She appears and curses Heracles with madness. Heracles murders
his family before Aristotle can mix a potion bringing him back to his senses.
Eurystheus, king of Thebes, is visited by Hera. They plan to humble Heracles by making him perform
impossible labours to atone for his crime. Heracles is sentenced and journeys into the Underworld to
fetch a jug of water from the River Styx, joined by the bard Orpheus. While completing his task he
meets his family and is granted the opportunity to save them, inadvertently foiled by Orpheus.
OLYMPUS On the prediction of the mute prophet Cassandra, the gods in resistance to Hera attempt
to steal a valuable mythical sword. Prometheus is captured by Hera but she mistakes his intention to
be an assassination attempt. Hermes volunteers to rescue both Prometheus and the sword from Heras
grasp.
EPISODE TWO: THE LION OF NEMEA
Attached. Heracles eventually forgives Orpheus mistake in the Underworld during a quest to slay the
Nemean Lion. In Olympus, Hermes retrieves the sword and rescues Prometheus.
EPISODE THREE: THE WITCH OF THE LAKE
EARTH Eurystheus and Hera realise that killing Heracles with simple brute force and monsters
may not be possible, and attempt to out-think him. Heracles next trial is to collect a lock of hair from
Circe the witchs daughter. Circe, a man-hating woman who lives on an island in the middle of a great
lake, has a proclivity for turning the men she encounters into pigs. Circe was the most beautiful
woman in Greece, but retreated to her solitary life on the island after she was raped by Hades, leading
to a pregnancy and the birth of a daughter: Medusa. Medusa is as beautiful as her mother, but during
the week of a full moon she takes on the black scaled skin of Hades, and her hair transforms into
snakes. If anyone sees her daughter in this state Circe transforms them to stone figures and gives them
to Medusa to play with. When the trio reach the shore of the island, strange music lulls them to sleep.
Orpheus plugs his but cant rouse the others and has to hide as Circe appears and takes them back to
her house. Following Circe, Orpheus meets Medusa. He is initially frightened but soon realises
Medusa is simply an innocent young girl who cannot control how she looks. He takes pity on her.
Circe enters Medusas room to find Orpheus playing with her as though she was any normal child.
Her moment of surprise allows Orpheus to explain why he and the others are there. He charms Circe
but she remains distrustful. However, she agrees to wake Heracles and Aristotle as thanks for the
kindness Orpheus has shown to Medusa. Over the next few days, Circe comes to trust the silvertongued Orpheus, who in turn begins to fall in love with her. When Heracles fends off a group of men
who have come to kill Medusa, she warms to him and Aristotle as well. Aristotle promises to craft a
mirror for Medusa that will show her reflection as beautiful. He builds an ordinary mirror and
explains to Medusa that beauty is about who a person is, not what they look like. At the end of the
week Medusa reverts back into an ordinary child and cuts off a lock of hair to give to Orpheus, who
promises he will see Circe again.
OLYMPUS Prometheus and Hephaistos decide on an alternate interpretation of Cassandras
prophecy and begin to forge copies of the Titansword in secret. While theyre in the forge, darkness
descends in the cave where the rest of the gods are hidden, and Hades appears. Displaying none of his
daughters sweet temperament, he gleefully torments the gods with visions of horror and pain before
rounding them all up and ordering them brought before Hera.

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EPISODE FOUR: THE LABYRINTH OF CRETE
EARTH Heracles must traverse the labyrinth at Crete to retrieve a horn crafted from Minotaur horn.
Within minutes of entering the labyrinth, Heracles, Aristotle and Orpheus get separated. They
encounter various trials; Heracles of strength, Aristotle of intelligence and Orpheus of loyalty. They
overcome the trials and reunite, discovering the Minotaur at the centre. Eurystheus neglected to
mention theyd have to retrieve and craft the horn themselves. The trio do battle with the minotaur
through the twisting corridors before eventually overcoming it together.
OLYMPUS Hera tries to force Cassandra to predict how she can defeat Heracles. Prometheus and
Hephaistos finish creating new replicas of the Titansword and plan a rescue.
EPISODE FIVE THE HYDRA OF LERNA
EARTH Heracles is tasked with killing the Lernaean Hydra, a seemingly impossible task as two
new heads grow for every one removed. He is eventually able to convince the centaur Chiron, to give
him a cup of his blood, poisonous to other creatures. He uses it to create a poison-tipped arrow and
kills the Hydra. Tired of trials and tests, Eurystheus hires an assassin to kill the trio. The assassin,
Attalus, steals the centaur blood and shoots at Orpheus. Heracles pushes Orpheus out of the way and
takes the arrow. After fighting Orpheus and Aristotle, and outclassing them both, Attalus is dragged
into the forest by Chiron. The city of Thebes, many of whom Heracles had helped in his quest for
atonement, are enraged by Eurystheus betrayal, the city is on the brink of an uprising, led by the
Kings former chamberlain Kalliades.
OLYMPUS Hephaistos and Prometheus stage a daring rescue of the other gods from Hera,
narrowly escaping but losing their new swords in the process. After a cat and mouse chase through
Olympus, the gods escape and reform with everyone who opposes Heras rule. Olympus is at war
EPISODE SIX THE DEATH OF HERACLES
Wars rage simultaneously through Olympus and Thebes, as Heracles slowly succumbs to the poison
in his blood. Circe and Medusa join to aid Orpheus in leading the resistance; also revealing that the
objects Heracles had been retrieving in his labours all have secret uses that Eurystheus was unaware
of; the lock of Medusas hair can revert into a snake, the water from the river Styx increases speed and
strength, etc. Hades leads Eurystheus forces, but Circe exacts her revenge by turning him to stone.
The citizens of Thebes overthrow Eurystheus and his guards, but Heracles dies despite Aristotles
efforts to cure him. In Olympus, Heras forces are cornering and isolating the gods who stand against
her, wearing down the resistance through weight of numbers. Hermes is trying to bring Cassandra to
safety; seconds before it happens, she realises he is about to die and tries to warn him, but shes too
late and Hermes is run through by one of the replica swords. Heracles body on Earth is cremated, but
his shade rises to Olympus. He sees the ruin wrought by Hera and the berserker rage sets in again, but
Heracles has transcended his human limitations and can harness the rage. He receives the physical
benefits of the transformation but retains his sanity. He storms through Olympus, sweeping aside
Heras minions that stand in his way, before finding the bodies of Hermes and Cassandra. He calls
Hera out and challenges her. She goads him and fights him, seeming a match for him until he strikes a
death blow. She laughs; maybe he has the blood of a god, but a man still cannot kill a god. Her
wounds heal. Heracles draws the Titansword: it finally slides smoothly free of its scabbard. Heracles
kills Hera and leaderless, her forces scatter. Athena assumes the mantle of ruler of Olympus, and sets
about righting Heras wrongs. Heracles receives his own shrine in Thebes town square, where he can
appear to his friends just as Zeus appeared to help him.

EPISODE TWO THE LION OF NEMEA SYNOPSIS

TEASER: As a sacrificial ram is placed beside Heracles on his funeral pyre, ORPHEUS delivers a
speech to the assembled mourners. He speaks of Heracles friendship, loyalty and bravery, finishing
He was the bravest man I will ever know.

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AUGEAN STABLES: Orpheus and ARISTOTLE watch HERACLES attempt to clean the evergrowing carpet of manure that covers the stable, making no progress and frequently falling face first
into it. Orpheus remarks that Heracles must be The stupidest man I will ever know. Through his
dialogue with Aristotle, it is clear that his anger at Heracles has not abated following Persephones
recovery, and he disregards the rumours of Heracles parentage, claiming he is simply making excuses
for his crimes. Aristotle concedes that he cannot change Orpheus mind, and simply asks him not to be
openly antagonistic.
Aristotle calls Heracles over to take a rest, realising the task can never be completed through sheer
determination alone. Orpheus goads and mocks Heracles, and he comes close to losing his mind
again, drawing his sword on Orpheus, but Aristotle stands between the pair, faithful that Heracles will
not harm him. The rage subsides and Heracles, ashamed, agrees that Eurystheus should have put him
to death, throwing his water skin to the stable floor in frustration. He refuses to accept forgiveness
from Aristotle, accepting blame for allowing Hera to have used him, and refuses to accept Aristotles
help cleaning the stable, as the labours were given to him alone to atone for his crimes. Aristotle looks
at the small river forming in the manure from the spilled water skin, then gazes out to the fast flowing
river Alpheus, thinking.
Heracles has built a diversion leading from the stable gate to the banks of the river, and is struggling
to remove the last rock to set the river free, exhausted by his efforts. After watching a clearly
struggling and despondent Heracles almost collapse, Orpheus mutters This does not mean I like him
to Aristotle, and aids Heracles, who is too tired to argue he doesnt want the help. The trio laugh as
they watch the river divert and sweep through the stable, washing away all of the accumulated muck
and grime.
OLYMPUS HALL OF HERA: HERA is torturing PROMETHEUS in an attempt to learn where Zeus
and the other gods in resistance to her rule have hidden. He is being eaten alive by two large ravens
and brought back to life repeatedly. Hera attempts to question him but his answers are mocking and
defiant. As this is ongoing, HERMES sneaks through the hall, pick pocketing a key from a guard
before climbing into the rafters. He makes his way to directly above Heras throne, where she deaparts
with a promise to break Prometheus no matter what. Only once Hera has gone does Prometheus show
any sign of the pain the torture is causing him. Hermes drops from the rafters behind the throne,
stealing a sword from underneath it. It seems plain and uninteresting, but is clearly special, changing
shape as Hermes picks it up. He tries to draw it but it is stuck in its scabbard; Too much to hope for, I
suppose. Only then does Hermes use the stolen key to free Prometheus, whose first reaction is to say
I hope you got the sword first. Before the pair can reunite, a magical alarm built into the locks
begins to screech. Prometheus disappears in flames through one of the lanterns on the wall as guards
storm into the room. Hermes smiles and begins to run.
Hermes uses a series of free-running and Parkour techniques to evade the Olympus guards and escape
the hall. He swan dives off the edge of the cliff upon which Heras Hall sits, but the wings on his heels
allow him to land unharmed in the market square below. He continues free-running, seemingly having
evaded guards only for more to appear. Eventually he reaches the edge of the mountain and jumps.
ICARUS watches his dive and jumps after him, wings suddenly appearing and spreading on his back.
He catches Hermes out of the air and the two circle down the mountain, far from pursuit, crashlanding in a cave where the other gods, including ZEUS and Prometheus, are hidden.
COURT OF EURYSTHEUS: EURYSTHEUS refuses to accept the legitimacy of the labours
completion, claiming the stable was destroyed, not cleaned. Heracles and Aristotle give a number of

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flippant responses, logically outmanoeuvring the king, but Eurystheus decrees that the labour doesnt
stand because he had help: Heracles didnt clean the stable, the river did. He is issued with a new
challenge: slaying the Nemean Lion.
SHRINE TO ZEUS: Heracles prays at the shrine for his fathers guidance, and Zeus appears. Orpheus
is dumbstruck. Zeus can only stay briefly, but he delivers to Heracles the sword stolen by Hermes,
explaining that it is the sword wielded by a Titan in the war on Olympus, and can cut through
anything, but will only allow itself to be drawn when it feels the need is most dire. Orpheus is forced
to admit that Heracles is the son of Zeus, but That still doesnt mean I have to like you.
ON THE TRAIL: Aristotle confesses to knowing little about the lion, believing it to have been a
legend. Its supposed to be smart, as tall as a grown man and almost impossible to kill, being
impervious to weapons. Im starting to think Eurystheus really doesnt like you. They meet
MOLORCHOS on the road, who has been waiting for them. A shepherd whose sons were killed
trying to defeat the lion, he begs Heracles not to face it. When he realises he cannot change Heracles
mind, he hands him six bronze coins; four to place on the eyes of his sons, and two for Heracles
himself to pay the boatman. Molorchos tells Heracles that in honour of his bravery he will sacrifice
his ram to Zeus when he hears that the lion has killed him. Aristotle reels, his hand over his hidden
eye, the image of the ram at Heracles funeral and Molorchos weeping flashing across his vision. He
tells Heracles that perhaps he should admit defeat this once, but Heracles laughs it off.
CLEARING: The trio enter a clearing in the forest just as a lioness advances on a young WOMAN.
Heracles and Orpheus scare the beast away, Heracles delivers a hard blow to its face with his club.
The woman offers to take them to somewhere secluded to Thank you properly, Aristotle takes her
up on her offer. Heracles and Orpheus track the lion, but the tracks soon fade and they find another
young WOMAN, weeping. They go to her aid and see her face is bruised. Belatedly, Heracles realises
the bruise is where he struck the lion with his club, throwing Orpheus to the side just as the woman
transforms back into the lioness and pounces. Heracles and the lioness grapple with each other,
Heracles unable to reach his weapons without freeing her claws. Suddenly the lioness slumps on top
of him, transforming back into a woman; Orpheus stands over them, wiping his blade clean: I still
dont like you. They chase after Aristotle and the other woman.
THE LIONS DEN: Aristotle is being backed into the corner of the cave by the great lion, while the
woman watches. From behind, Heracles blade runs her through; instead of screaming she roars,
distracting the lion, which turns and advances on Heracles. They try a variety of weapons to kill it but
they bounce harmlessly off its hide. Heracles tries drawing the sword of the Titans but it remains
firmly lodged: You dont call this dire need?! The berserker rage begins to descend on Heracles as
they become more and more pressed. Aristotle tries to drag Orpheus away but Orpheus rushes to save
Heracles from a slash from the lion, getting slashed across the chest himself. Heracles rises to see
Orpheus gravely injured, and the rage sets in fully. With no regard for his own safety, Heracles fights
the lion bare-handed, eventually strangling it without using a weapon. He has sustained many injuries
but turns to advance on Aristotle, who is still aiding Orpheus out of the cave. Together, Orpheus and
Aristotle place a large rock in front of the cave entrance, trapping Heracles inside. He removes it
single-handedly, but then the effort of his exertions causes him to collapse. He awakes back to his
normal self, embraces a recovering Orpheus and they return to the court to be issued with their next
labour.

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THE LION OF NEMEA FULL EPSIODE

TEASER

FADE IN:
EXT. FOOT OF OLYMPUS. NIGHT.
A flat plain at the foot of the great mountain, Olympus. A
large funeral pyre burns fiercely, sparks racing into the
starry sky. HERACLES lies atop the pyre, two large bronze
coins covering his eyes. Without his customary brooding,
worried expression, he looks younger than he ever has, almost
serene. Surrounding the pyre are a dozen MOURNERS, weeping
openly.
ORPHEUS carries forward a ram, aided by MOLORCHOS, a thin
shepherd in his late fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and a
scraggly beard. Tears stream down both of their faces.
Together, they toss the ram onto the base of the pyre.
Molorchos shuffles away and rejoins the other mourners,
Orpheus turns and stands at their head, facing them but
directing his words to the heavens.
ORPHEUS
Lord Zeus, accept this offering
we present to you alongside your
son, Heracles! May his shade find
the peace in the afterlife that
was not granted to him on Earth.
Orpheus takes a deep breath, steadying himself. He gazes
around the mourners assembled, young men and old, women and
children. His eyes linger on PERSEPHONE, who gives him a
reassuring nod through shining eyes.
ORPHEUS
Heracles was... a troubled man.
He was a great man, and if not
always a good man, then we know
that was through no fault of his
own. No son chooses his father,
but Heracles suffered for his
entire life because of his. Even
more,
he
did
this
without
complaint or bitterness. He was,
and is, the bravest man I will
ever know.
Orpheus rejoins the mourners and together they watch as the
flames burn ever higher, the pyre silhouetted against the
mountain.

FADE OUT
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. AUGEAN STABLES. DAY.
The stable is colossal, and filled with uncountable horses,
milling around aimlessly. A wooden wall forms the perimeter,
roughly as high as a mans shoulders, four beams at the
corners and pillars spaced evenly throughout the stable
supporting the thatched roof.
From over the gate, ORPHEUS and ARISTOTLE watch as HERACLES
shovels manure, which carpets the entirety of the stable floor
thickly, into a bucket. He is covered in it, staining his legs
arms and clothes. As he works, a horse drops a fresh batch of
manure right in front of him. He stares at it in despair, then
shovels into the bucket with renewed vigour.
Heracles, having filled the bucket, carries it to the exit and
sets it down beside one of several identical filled buckets.
He picks up a new empty one and carries it back, resuming his
task.
ORPHEUS
That has got to be the stupidest
man I will ever know.
As Orpheus and Aristotle talk, Heracles can be seen in the
background, clearly making no progress with cleaning the
stable, at one point tripping and falling face first into the
thick layer of manure. He stands, wiping it slowly from his
face, drops his head despondently for a moment then continues
shovelling. Then, his foot gets trapped and he cant move, he
struggles for a few moments then uses both of his hands to try
to drag his leg free, eventually succeeding but raising a
shower of manure that once more hits him across the face.
ARISTOTLE
He does have something of a...
single-minded approach.
ORPHEUS
Hes a fucking barbarian!
ARISTOTLE
You should be careful who you
insult. He is the son of Zeus;

you do not get farther

Barbarian than that.

from

ORPHEUS
Dont tell me you believe that
nonsense he comes out with? Ill
bet you ten obols hes the son of
some merchant and a whore and
hes too embarrassed to admit it.
ARISTOTLE
Belief has nothing to do with it,
my friend. I have seen it with my
own very eye.
Aristotle gestures with a wry smile towards his one visible
eye, Orpheus scoffs.
ORPHEUS
Indulge his fantasies if you
will, Aristotle, but any man who
murders
innocent
women
and
children and tries to blame it on
the gods is a coward. Eurystheus
should
have
sent
his
shade
screaming into Hades.
Heracles overhears this, he looks up from his task, his face
twisted. The tribal DRUM BEAT sounds faintly, barely audible.
He throws himself back into cleaning the stable.
ARISTOTLE
He
saved
Persephones
life,
Orpheus. If you cannot love him,
can you not thank him at least
for that?
ORPHEUS
You saved her life! You with your
potions, then you let him take
the credit! It was him she needed
saving
from!
Wrestled
with
Death, do you take me for a
fool, Aristotle?
ARISTOTLE
There is obviously no convincing
you, my friend, so all I will say
is; he obviously at least has

something of a temper. Dont goad

him, Orpheus.
Orpheus scoffs again, hand straying to his sword belt.

ORPHEUS
I am neither a woman nor a child,
he will not find me so easy to
bully.
ARISTOTLE
Lest you forget, I pay you to
protect me and my friends, not to
antagonise them.
Heracles has fallen backwards once more, and is now just
sitting in the thick slurry, looking dejected.
ARISTOTLE
Heracles! Come and join us for a
moment.
HERACLES
Im busy.
ARISTOTLE
You will never finish this job
through determination alone.
ORPHEUS (Aside)
Or pig-headedness.
ARISTOTLE
Take
a
rest,
youll
yourself. (To Orpheus)
antagonise him.

exhaust
Do not

Heracles pushes himself to his feet and trudges wearily to

join the pair. Aristotle hands him a water skin and he drinks
deeply.
ORPHEUS
So here stands the Son of Zeus.
Covered in shit.
ARISTOTLE
Orpheus!

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ORPHEUS
Every litter needs
suppose.

runt,

ARISTOTLE
Orpheus, what did I tell you?
HERACLES
I have no interest in fighting
with you, Orpheus.
ORPHEUS
Of course you dont, Im not a
woman.
Heracles takes a breath and closes his eyes. Two images flash:
MEGARA laughing, and her skull collapsing as Heracles club
crashes through it. The drumbeat intensifies.
HERACLES
Mention my wife again, and it
will be the last mistake you ever
make.
Orpheus draws his sword, dropping into a fighting stance.
ORPHEUS
Is that a threat?
Orpheus mouth continues moving, but the words are drowned out
by the drums. In a blur of movement, Heracles sword is in his
hand, the point resting on Orpheus throat. Heracles roars to
hear himself over the drums.
HERACLES
Its a promise!
Aristotle gently moves Orpheus to the side, standing so that
Heracles sword point sits on his chest. Heracles breathes
deeply, the drumbeat still pounding, but Aristotles stare is
steady and his voice is calm, low but somehow cutting through
the drums.
ARISTOTLE
You are not the only
misses her, Heracles.

one

who

Heracles is still breathing heavily, the drumbeat gently

recedes into silence. He drops his head, slamming his sword

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back into its sheath. A single tear falls from his shaded
face.
ORPHEUS
What did I tell you? The mans a
commonARISTOTLE
Enough,
Orpheus.
It
was
not
Heracles who drew his weapon
first.
Orpheus sulkily falls silent. He
sharpens his sword with a whetstone.

sits

on

the

grass

and

HERACLES
Hes right. I- I killed them. I
deserve
to
be
wandering
the
Underworld deaf and blind, and
instead
he
has
me
here,
shovelling shit!
Heracles tosses the water skin to the ground, it bursts open
and the water comes pouring out.
ARISTOTLE
If a man is stabbed, do you blame
the sword that cut him, or the
arm that held it? You were used,
Heracles, nothing more.
HERACLES
I let myself be used! I should
have fought it, I should haveARISTOTLE
Hera is a god, Heracles. Youre
an exceptional man, but you are a
man. There was nothing you could
have done.
HERACLES
No. No excuses. I do not ask for
or deserve your forgiveness, and
certainly not Orpheus. But Ive
been given my punishments, and
Ive wasted enough time here
already.

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Heracles turns away from Aristotle through the gate of the

stable.
ARISTOTLE
If you wont accept my advice, at
least let us help you with this.
Orpheus jumps to his feet.
ORPHEUS
If you think Im going to shovel
shit for him, youre completelyARISTOTLE
Orpheus, I encourage you to think
of me as a friend, but if I have
to remind you one more time that
youre in my employ, you will
find yourself unemployed, do I
make myself clear?
Orpheus falls silent, glaring at them both.
HERACLES
It is kind of you to offer, but
no. These labours were given to
me, to atone for my crimes. I
cant take your help.
ARISTOTLE
Eurystheus gave you this task
because he knew it cant be
completed alone, theres no shame
in accepting help.
HERACLES
Even so.
ARISTOTLE
Now youre just being stubborn.
For the first time, Heracles grins. Its a boyish, mischievous
expression; he suddenly looks younger by years.
HERACLES
Would you expect anything less?
Ignorance
can
solve
almost
anything.

13

Aristotle isnt listening; he is looking at the water skin on

the stable floor, and the small river of water now making its
way through the manure. He looks up to the East, towards the
fast-flowing river Alpheus, his face pensive.
HERACLES
I know that face. Youre about to
try something clever.
Aristotle smiles at his friend.
ARISTOTLE
Im
about
to
try
ignorant.

something
CUT TO:

EXT. RIVER BANK.

EVENING

A wide, shallow trench leads from the gate of the river to

just short of the bank of the river. Heracles stands in it,
digging it further forwards. He is exhausted, sweat coats him
and his breathing is laboured, his movements slow. Orpheus
sits against a tree, eating an apple as he watches. Heracles
stumbles and almost falls, holding himself up with the shovel.
Aristotle rushes forward to help him, but he is waved off.
ARISTOTLE
I was wrong. This was a terrible
idea. Heracles, youre killing
yourself.
HERACLES
Nonsense.
Never
felt
better.
Anyway, no point in stopping now.
He feebly
trench.

flicks

another

small

mound

of

dirt

out

of

the

ORPHEUS
Be awful it didnt work, wouldnt
it? Serious waste of effort.
Thank
input.

HERACLES
you,
Orpheus.

Valuable

Heracles shovel strikes something hard and he drops it.

Falling to his knees, he scrapes some dirt aside and reveals a

14

large rock. He attempts to move it, to no avail. He strains

again with both hands, but it doesnt budge. He groans, almost
more of a scream, and curses the stone to a thousand different
painful deaths, kicking it. He plants his feet, grips the rock
firmly, and heaves, still with no effect. He lets go and falls
backwards, propped up against the wall of the trench. Sitting
there forlorn, he is a picture of misery. Orpheus looks at him
for a long moment, his face expressionless, then he looks at
the river, to the stable, and back to Heracles. He throws his
apple into the river and stands. As he passes Aristotle, he
mutters;
ORPHEUS
This doesnt mean I like him.
Orpheus drops into the trench and pulls Heracles to his feet.
Without speaking, he puts his hands on the rock and looks at
Heracles. Too tired to argue, Heracles nods his thanks and
grabs the rock as well. Together, they haul on it, for a few
seconds making no progress before it gives the smallest
wiggle. They continue with renewed drive and finally drag the
rock free. The wall of dirt separating the trench from the
river slowly crumbles and water seeps through. Heracles
collapses to his knees, together Aristotle and Orpheus drag
him clear of the trench, Orpheus himself climbing free just
before the river breaks through and a strong tide sweeps
through. The three watch as the water flows into the stable,
sweeping away the manure in a torrent. They begin to laugh,
triumphant, then Heracles faints on the grass.
CUT TO:
INT. HALL OF OLYMPUS - DAY
The Hall is impressively large, lit by banks of burning
torches. Two of Heras GUARDS stand in front of the great
wooden doors, both keeping both hands resting on their swords,
several more line the walls of the Hall. The architecture is
Gothic, replete with high arches, gargoyles and stained glass
windows depicting scenes of Heras domination of the realm,
slaying Titans, etc. Long walnut tables, with the abandoned
remains of a past feast being cleared by servants in dark,
dirty tunics, line the hall leading to a slightly raised dais,
upon which sits HERA in her throne a largely unremarkable
high-backed wooden seat, lined with velvet. She is garbed in a
long red dress, long black fingernails lightly rapping the arm

15

of her seat as she watches

kohled eyes as two large
PROMETHEUS entrails.

with amusement through darkly

ravens swallow the last of

Prometheus is barely recognisable as human; torn, bloody and

mutilated, but as Hera watches, his wounds close. With loud
pops, displaced bones move back into place, gaping wounds in
his torso close, blinded eyes open and he begins to stir. He
is a tough-looking steel-haired man in his thirties, heavily
muscled but barely able to move as thick chains bind his arms
and legs to the ground.
Unnoticed by Hera, HERMES sneaks through the Hall, trailing
one guard before quickly darting sideways into a shadowed
alcove just as the guard turns around and walks back the way
he came. Hermes has the look of a young man, appearing no
older than seventeen. He is dressed in a white knee-length
chiton with a wide leather and bronze sword belt, from which
hangs an elegantly curved and gilded kopis. He wears some
light pieces of bronze armour; wrist-guards, paulders and
greaves, all designed so as not to impact mobility. The heels
of his sandals sport white feather wings that reach midway up
his calves. Hermes steps silently out of the alcove, keeping
low, and deftly pickpockets a key from the guards belt.
One of the SERVANTS suddenly looks up from her task, peering
with a puzzled expression directly where Hermes stood. There
is no sign of him. She shakes her head and returns to work.
Hermes sits in the rafters of the hall, his back against the
wall, breathing a sigh of relief as he watches the servant
return to work. He stands, balancing expertly as he walks
across the rafter. He pauses as he comes to a gap between two
beams, checking the Hall below to make sure he cannot be seen
before jumping across.
Prometheus has managed
contemptuously at Hera.

to

raise

his

head

HERA
Prometheus, how kind of you to
join us again.
PROMETHEUS
Hera.
Always
an
honour.
kneel, but uh...

Id

enough

to

glare

16

Prometheus weakly jangles the chains on his arms, making an

apologetic face at Hera. Her face darkens and twists in
bitterness for the briefest moment, then she fixes him again
with a sweet smile.
HERA
So nice to see you havent lost
that
quick
tongue,
after
everything youve been through.
PROMETHEUS
Technically I have. Twenty-two
thousand,
five
hundred
and
thirty-seven times, on my last
count. The ravens really do have
a taste for tongue, dont they?
He whistles at the birds and holds his tongue out as an
offering. They ruffle their feathers and one Caws at him,
but otherwise they do not react.
PROMETHEUS
So youve stopped letting the
birds have at me, I imagine you
want something. What?
Hera leans towards Prometheus.
HERA
I was hoping after spending a
little time with the birds youd
be ready to talk.
PROMETHEUS
We are talking.
HERA
Where are they?
PROMETHEUS
Where are who?
HERA
Dont play stupid with me, tell
me! Where are they hiding?
PROMETHEUS

17

I dont know who youre talking

about. I know The Oracle is still
hiding out at Delphi, if you mean
her. Lovely lass, little bit
religious, though. You see,
Prometheus raises his head towards Hera as far as his bonds
will allow. He whispers.
I dont
real.

Prometheus
know if the

gods

are

Chuckling at his joke, Prometheus lowers his head once more.

Hera unleashes a growl of frustration and waves her hands, the
ravens descend once more on Prometheus, pecking at his eyes
and flesh.
HERA
I will break you, Prometheus. Do
not doubt that.
Prometheus waves, his face not visible beneath the attacking
ravens.
Prometheus
I look forward to it.
Hera exits through a door behind her throne without looking
back at Prometheus, followed by her guards and servants. Once
she has left, Prometheus begins to scream and writhe in pain.
The instant the door closes, Hermes lands lightly without a
sound behind the throne. Without looking at Prometheus, he
slowly slides the throne to the side and places his hands
palms down on the stone panel underneath, whispering:
HERMES
I am a god of Olympus.
The panel disappears, revealing underneath it a long iron
sword in a sheath. As Hermes picks it up, it changes into the
shape of a kopis, plain leather-bound hilt emerging from an
unadorned sheath. He attempts to draw it, but its stuck in
the scabbard and doesnt budge.
HERMES
Too much to hope for, I suppose.

18

He straps the new sword onto his belt and carefully replaces
the throne. Keeping low, he then moves towards Prometheus,
killing the ravens with two sideways slashes of his sword.
Prometheus wounds close once more. Surprised, he raises his
head before his eyes have even healed over. When the scars
clear he watches through wide eyes as Hermes unlocks his
chains with the stolen key.
PROMETHEUS
Hermes, my boy. Never thought Id
be glad to see you. I hope you
took the sword first.
HERMES
You could have just said thank
you.
Hermes has unlocked the last chain, he and Prometheus stand.
PROMETHEUS
Dont have it in me, you know my
tongue wouldve turned black.
They survey each other for a brief second, then both begin to
laugh. They embrace. A sudden SHRIEKING erupts from the chains
on the ground, an alarm.
HERMES
Well thats new. (To Prometheus)
I cant carry you out of here.
The door behind them crashes open, guards pour in.
Prometheus
No need.
In a flash, Prometheus is wreathed in flames. The flames shoot
into the nearest torch, which burns intensely brightly, then
extinguishes. Prometheus is gone.
HERMES
Nice trick.
FREE RUNNING SEQUENCE: SERIES OF SHOTS
Hermes begins to sprint towards the front of the Hall, the
guards in close pursuit. The great doors at the front open as
more guard enter and charge towards Hermes. He smiles and runs
along the wall of the Hall, jumping off and flipping over the

19

heads of the guards. He is behind them before they realise

what is happening, still sprinting for the exit. He slides
along the ground under the slashing sword of another guard,
speeds through the door and out into the courtyard.
EXT, HALL OF OLYMPUS COURTYARD DAY
Hermes weaves effortlessly through dead trees and halfdestroyed marble statues until he reaches the cliff edge, the
streets of the City of Olympus stretching out far below. He
glances back at the guards chasing him, smiles, and swan dives
off the edge.
Hermes is falling face-first towards the rapidly-approaching
streets of Olympus. He spreads his arms, laughs and lets out a
whoop, spinning a few barrel rolls. As he approaches the
ground he flips so that his feet face the ground, the wings on
his heels spreading and flapping as he touches lightly down in
the market square.
EXT, STREETS OF OLYMPUS, MARKET SQUARE - DAY
The ALARM BELLS are still sounding throughout the crowded
market. Various bystanders and vendors gape open mouthed at
Hermes, who takes a moment to recover his composure, letting
out a small chuckle at his success, when more guards come
rushing around the corner.
HERMES
MotherfHermes sets off at a sprint again, jumping over crates,
weaving between stalls and always remaining just out of the
guards despairing reach, getting ever closer to the edge of
the mountain.
HERMES
Icarus!
ICARUS appears from a nearby stall, rushing to the edge of the
mountain. He and Hermes leap off the edge together.
ICARUS
Hang on!

20

Hermes wraps his arms around Icarus neck. A pair of large

feathered wings erupt from Icarus back, and he carries Hermes
in a spiral around the mountain, out of sight of the hapless
guards watching far above.
CUT TO
INT: GODS CAVE DAY
ZEUS, HEPHAISTOS and ATHENA are sitting round a small fire in
the centre of a cave in the Olympus mountainside, eating a
small meal. Unnoticed by them, a rapidly growing speck that is
the approaching Icarus and Hermes appears over their shoulders
in the sky outside. CASSANDRA is at the back of the cave,
sketching a picture of Hermes and Icarus holding their heads
in pain.
ZEUS
Why are we even still discussing
this? The sword goes to Heracles,
and thats final.
HEPHAISTOS
What good is that sword to us
down there?
ATHENA
Cassandras said thats where it
needs to be, thats where well
get it.
HEPHAISTOS
Cassandra
has
never
said
anything, she drew a picture!
Cassandra looks up from her drawing, her expression indignant.
Hephaistos chuckles and lobs a piece of fruit at her goodnaturedly. She shakes it out of her hair and continues
drawing.
ZEUS
You know shes never wrong.
HEPHAISTOS
Yeah, but that doesnt mean shes
always right, either. Prophecys
funny like that. But shes saved

21

our skins more than once, Ill

give her that.
Hephaistos stands and ruffles Cassandras
puckers her face in disapproval.

hair.

She

again

HEPHAISTOS
Though thats assuming the sword
even makes it here and those two
havent beenIcarus and Hermes crash land noisily in the mouth of the cave.
Everyone reacts with shock but Cassandra, who calmly remains
seated, comparing her drawing to the struggling Icarus and
Hermes. Its a perfect match. The wings disappear back into
Icarus back as he stands.
ICARUS
One of these days, Ill actually
land on my feet.
Hephaistos grabs Hermes by the shoulders.
HEPHAISTOS
Did you get it? Did you get the
sword?
HERMES
Hello Hephaistos. Its great to
see you too Hephaistos. No, how
are you, Hephaistos?
As soon as Hephaistos releases Hermes, Cassandra runs over to
him. Hermes scoops her up, laughing. Its the closest the
eerie, bloodstained girl comes to looking like a real child.
Hephaistos looks ready to burst with impatience, Hermes cuts
across him before he can speak.
HERMES
Yes, we got the sword.
He unhooks the sword from his belt and passes it to Zeus. In
Zeus hands it takes on a form reminiscent of a lightning
bolt, before reverting to its plain longsword form as he lays
it reverently in front of the fire.

22

Did Prometheus make it back?

HEPHAISTOS
He jumped out of the fire, said
he was going to the forge, then
vanished again.
ICARUS
The forge?
HERMES
Is he trying to get caught again?
ZEUS
Im guessing he had some kind of
recklessly dangerous plan, which
is why he disappeared before I
could forbid it. Theres nothing
we can do but wait for him to get
back, and Ill deal with him
then. Nobody followed you?
ICARUS
I dont think so.
ZEUS
Know it.
Icarus gives a theatrical tired sigh, quickly grabs and
swallows a handful of food and takes off out of the cave mouth
again, wings spreading. Hephaistos is still staring at the
sword with longing.
ZEUS
Dont get too attached to it.
Hermes is taking it to Heracles
as soon as we can get it out of
here.
HEPHAISTOS
Just give me a week to study it,
I could make copies! With them,
we could overthrow Hera in a
matter of months!

23

Cassandra taps Hermes urgently on the shoulder, pointing to

her parchment and charcoal. He puts her down and she runs over
to them, sitting down and scribbling furiously.
ATHENA
Are we sure we even want copies?
Those swords are god-killers.
HEPHAISTOS
What did you think we were
planning to do with them? We
didnt go to the trouble of
stealing
this
one
for
art
appreciation.
ATHENA
We only need one. We use it to
defeat Hera, then destroy it.
HEPHAISTOS
Destroy
it?!
Whats
to
stop
another Hera turning up a hundred
years from now, and well have
nothing to stop them! Destroy
it...
He places his hands over the sword as though protecting its
ears, and whispers to it soothingly.
Dont worry, I would never let
the crazy woman do that to you.
ZEUS
You
really
think
you
replicate this blade?

could

HEPHAISTOS
With this to study, it should be
easy. And not just the sword, if
I could get my hands on the
materials I couldHERMES

24

Cassandra?
Cassandra has finished her drawing and hands it to Zeus,
watching him with her head cocked to the side. Its a picture
of an anvil being struck, above the mountain on fire and
Hermes with a sword through his heart. She runs back to Hermes
and hugs his leg, he absent-mindedly consoles her while
staring at his own lifeless image.
ATHENA
Cassandra, what is this?
Hermes has picked Cassandra up again. She clings to him.
HERMES
Its obvious enough. If you make
those swords, Olympus will burn.
And Ill die.
CUT TO:
INT: COURT OF EURYSTHEUS - NIGHT.
King EURYSTHEUS meagre court is all warped wood and bare
stone, reflecting the simplicity and poverty and his small
kingdom. Currently, it is empty, but for Eurystheus sitting in
his
throne
flanked
by
his
BODYGUARDS,
and
a
single
CHAMBERLAIN. The chamberlain is nervous, having been forced to
deliver bad news. Eurystheus is irate.
EURYSTHEUS
Define gone.
CHAMBERLAIN
Well, the, uh... the manure. Its
not there anymore. By the terms
of the labour you gave him, hes
completed it.
EURYSTHEUS:
He destroyed the entire fucking
stable!
CHAMBERLAIN

25

Yes, my lord. But... you didnt

technically say that he couldnt.
EURYSTHEUS
[Sighs.] Do you try to anger me?
CHAMBERLAIN
No, my lord.
EURYSTHEUS
Does seeing me struggle in some
way please you?
CHAMBERLAIN
N-no, my lord.
EURYSTHEUS
Then why do I always find you
bringing me problems and never
solutions?
CHAMBERLAIN
Im sorry my lord. Please,
lord. I have a family.

my

EURYSTHEUS
Then return to them before I cut
your miserable life short.
The Chamberlain bows deeply and turns directly into Hera,
who has appeared behind him. The Chamberlain stumbles
backwards and falls, staring at Hera with an awestruck terror.
EURYSTHEUS
[Softly.] Too late.
CHAMBERLAIN
Ill- Ill tell no-one I saw you.
HERA
No. You wont.
As Hera watches dispassionately, the Chamberlain draws his own
dagger, staring at it in terror as he slowly cuts his own
throat. He slumps noiselessly to the floor.

26

EURYSTHEUS
Clean that up.
His bodyguards step forward and begin carrying the Chamberlain
out of the court.
EURYSTHEUS
He had a family, he said?
BODYGUARD
Yes, sire.
EURYSTHEUS
Send them a goat. In the morning,
wake Kalliades. I need a new
chamberlain.
Hes
just
been
promoted.
BODYGUARDS
Yes, sire.
The bodyguards exit with the chamberlains body.
EURYSTHEUS
Hera. To what do I owe the [beat]
honour?
HERA
Heracles.
EURYSTHEUS
Family troubles?
HERA
Watch your tone, mortal.

Sorry,
joke.

EURYSTHEUS
mistress, just
HERA

Quite.
EURYSTHEUS

little

27

Erm. Yes. Sorry. Heracles. What

about him?
HERA
He was supposed to spend the rest
of his life in the stable, waist
deep in filth. Yet already he
returns, speaking of triumph.
EURYSTHEUS
Yes,
hehe,
I
suppose,
technically, finished the task I
set him a little bit quickly. He
wont get away with it. Ill make
him wash the feet of the entire
court, Ill sell him to the
brothel, Ill make him eatHERA
Stop babbling. I dont care about
embarrassing him anymore, hes a
thorn in my side and I want him
pulled out, do you understand me?
EURYSTHEUS
You want him dead? Why couldnt
you do that yoursIf looks could kill.
EURYSTHEUS
I mean- I only thought someone of
your power and, and magnificence
would easily be able to dispatch
of the boy. But for us mere...
earthly creatures... Hes kind of
proved difficult to kill.
HERA
That runt Cassandra is watching
him too closely. She knows what
Im planning before I do. It gets
harder and harder for me to
interfere directly, but you...

28

EURYSTHEUS
Just tell me what I need to do.
HERA
All in good time. First...
She pushes Eurystheus back into his throne and straddles him,
unlacing her dress.
HERA
My [beat] husband always seemed
to find time for some fun when he
was down here. I want to see what
he liked so much about mortals
that he couldnt find at home.
EURYSTHEUS
Wh- Wha-?
Hera kisses him roughly on the mouth. She tears off her dress
and begins undressing a dumbfounded Eurystheus. She puts her
hand on the side of his face and stares almost lovingly into
his eyes.
HERA
Someday, Ill kill you.
EURYSTHEUS [Whispers]
I dont care.
FADE TO:
EXT: COURT OF EURYSTHEUS COURTYARD DAY
A few stone benches and trees surrounding a well provide
shelter and respite for those who await Eurystheus pleasure.
Heracles, Aristotle and Orpheus stand outside the doors to the
Court. They are approached by the ashen-faced new Chamberlain,
KALLIADES.
KALLIADES
Step away from the doors, youll
be
called
when
His
Lordship
decrees it.

29

HERACLES
Who are you?
Kalliades attempts to draw himself as upright as possible.
KALLIADES
I am Kalliades, Chamberlain to
his greatness Eurystheus King,
first of his name, Lord of the
silverHERACLES
Tyrant of the mud and rock,
heroic king of the ass-end of
nowhere. Yes, yes we get it.
KALLIADES
A prisoner would do well to guard
his tongue when he speaks of his
king!
ARISTOTLE
My friend is simply tired from
his exertions, and has forgotten
to mind his manners. He means no
harm.
KALLIADES [lowers his voice.]
He should remember he means no
harm when he stands before the
Tyrant of the Mud and Rock.
Ghost of a smile from Aristotle.
ARISTOTLE
Understood. Tell me, Kalliades,
friend; what happened to your
predecessor?
He
and
I
were
beginning to develop something of
a rapport.
KALLIADES

30

He pre-deceased me. His

gave out while he slept.

heart

Pause.
ARITSTOTLE
Yes, I imagine it did.
ORPHEUS
A weak heart? Do I not remember
him wining all of the sprint
races
at
Dionocles
wedding
games? That was scarce a month
ago. He was stronger than an ox!
Heracles elbows Orpheus none too gently in the ribs.
ARISTOTLE
Just shows that it could happen
to anyone. And no doubt the job
he worked, and left to you,
Kallides, is a stressful one.
KALLIDES
Indeed.
A horn sounds from inside the Hall. Kalliades opens the doors.
Heracles turns to Orpheus.
HERACLES
Wait here.
ORPHEUS
What? WhyHERACLES
If we require someone to sing him
a song, poet, I will send for
you.
An insulted Orpheus hangs back; Aristotle and Heracles enter
the hall. Kalliades whispers as they pass him.
KALLIADES

31

Good luck.
With a terse nod, Heracles walks past him into the Court of
Eurystheus.
CUT TO:
INT: COURT OF EURYSTHEUS DAY
The court is now filled
townspeople. Eurystheus
his bodyguards and with
smirks as Aristotle and

with various officials and curious

is seated in his throne, flanked by
a scribe seated to his right. He
Heracles approach.

EURYSTHEUS
The beast and its handler return.
Heracles remains silent.
EURYSTHEUS
What, none of your famous rapier
wit to share? Id been led to
believe you were quite the joker
when you werent murdering women
and children.
The drumbeat starts rolling faintly in the background.
Heracles clenches his jaw and his fists, staring at the
ground.
HERACLES
I finished cleaning your little
stable, Eurystheus, am I done
being your errand boy or have you
another task for me?
EURYSTHEUS
Actually, I have quite a special
task set for you, seeing as you
failed the last one. You are toARISTOTLE
Failed?

32

EURYSTHEUS
His task was to clean the stable
floor. He flooded it.
ARISTOTLE
His task was to clear the manure.
He did.
EURYSTHEUS
You did not seriously think youd
get away with that excuse? What
about the horses, did you evenHERACLES
The horses are perfectly fine. If
anything, I think they rather
enjoyed the bath.
Stifled giggling from the assembled onlookers. The scribe is
jotting down enjoyed the bath when Eurystheus swats his
hand.
EURYSTHEUS
Dont write that down!
Eurystheus draws himself to his full upright posture.
EURYSTHEUS
It is the official decision of
this court that the trial has
been failedAristotle again
across him.

attempts

to

interrupt

but

Eurystheus

cuts

EURYSTHEUS
On the grounds that Heracles
alone had been set this task, but
he did not complete it alone. He
was aidedHeracles and Aristotle shoot each other a look how does he
know?
EURYSTHEUS

33

By the river Alpheus!

Dissenting commotion from the onlookers, quickly smothered by
guards.
EURYSTHEUS
In
recompense
for
your
dishonesty,
I
have
chosen
a
special task for you. The town of
Nemea, one day West of here, has
been losing livestock to lion
attacks. I want you to find the
lion and kill it.
Heracles seems perplexed. This task isnt so difficult. But
Eurystheus retains his self-satisfied smirk.
HERACLES
As you wish.
Heracles spins on his heel and walks out of the court, looking
straight ahead. Aristotle glares resentfully at the king for
the barest second before following Heracles out.
CUT TO:
EXT: COURT OF EURYSTHEUS COURTYARD DAY
Heracles and Aristotle exit the court, Orpheus springs to his
feet.
ORPHEUS
Well. What did he say?
ARISTOTLE
Not here.
Aristotle
leads
Orpheus
and
Heracles under the shelter of a
nearby tree, ensuring there are
no eavesdroppers nearby.
ARISTOTLE
That filthy, conniving whoreson!

34

ORPHEUS
What happened?
HERACLES
He declared my last task null. I
am to slay a lion instead.
Aristotle, what is the matter? I
can hunt lions easily enough.
ARISTOTLE
This isnt just a mountain lion
hes sent you after! [To Orpheus]
Hes been charged to kill the
Nemean Lion.
ORPHEUS [softly.]
Oh.
Heracles looks from one to the
other,
waiting
for
an
explanation.
HERACLES
So the lions from Nemea. What
difference does it make?
ORPHEUS
So now you want to hear my
stories? You had little time for
them before.
HERACLES
Yes, for a change youre useful.
Revel in it, it wont last.
ARISTOTLE
If you two dont stop prickmeasuring I swear by every god in
Olympus I will murder you both!
This is the most agitated either of them have seen Aristotle.
They calm down to pacify him.
HERACLES

35

Ok, apologies, friend. Tell me,

then: what is a Nemean Lion?
ARISTOTLE
Ill confess I dont know much.
Until Eurystheus looked so gods
damn
pleased
with
himself
I
thought it was a myth. Its said
to
be
as
tall
as
a
man,
intelligent and immortal.
HERACLES
He wants me to kill an immortal
lion?
ARISTOTLE
Apparently. [Deep breath.] I am
starting to think that Eurystheus
really does not like you.
ORPHEUS
Not immortal, as such, but its
hide is impervious to weapons,
according to the stories. Surely
we
dont
believe
that?
Its
impossible;
we
just
scare
children with the legend.
ARISTOTLE
When you travel in Heracles
company for long enough, you stop
being so sure about what is and
isnt possible. The man walked
straight into the Underworld.
ORPHEUS
I know, I was there.
HERACLES
And if you hadnt been, Megara
wouldARISTOTLE
Enough, Heracles.

36

ORPHEUS
My point is, of course the
underworld exists. Thats only
logical. But immortal lions? That
just doesnt make sense.
HERACLES
Well, we will find out soon
enough. Its a days travel to
Nemea, were wasting time.
Heracles pushes himself to his feet and strides from the
courtyard. Orpheus and Aristotle share a look and a shrug and
follow him out.
CUT TO:
EXT: SHRINE TO ZEUS
A marble likeness of Zeus set in a small forest clearing. A
scattering of small offerings and tokens litter the floor
surrounding it. Aristotle and Orpheus respectfully hang back
as Heracles approaches the shrine and kneels.
HERACLES
I call to Zeus, upholder of the
good. Zeus of the citizen, Zeus
of the free, whose favour falls
on the honourable, whose wrath
strikes down the evil. Zeus who
knows the worth of service and of
duty, I pray to you: grant that
we choose wisely, for the good of
our nation and of the world.
[BEAT] Father, I need you.
Storm clouds begin to gather above the shrine, the sky grows
dark.
ORPHEUS
I love this part.

37

Lightning strikes the clearing and in the crater left behind

lies the sword of the titans, in its plain longsword form.
Heracles glances skywards quizzically.
HERACLES
He does not wish to speak to me
personally?
What
is
this?
I
already have a sword.
ARISTOTLE
I would hazard a guess that
whatever is happening in Olympus,
its has gotten more difficult
for your father to come and go as
he pleases. It seems Hera is not
just making life miserable down
here.
This
sword
came
from
Olympus, Ill wager it is more
than it seems. Pick it up.
Heracles takes up the sword and it changes form into a sturdy
gladius. He stares at it in shock.
ORPHEUS
No... That cant be...
HERACLES
Cant be what? What is this?
ARISTOTLE
If its what I think it is, it is
a kingly gift indeed.
HERACLES
Enough with the riddles, what am
I holding?
ORPHEUS
I believe that is
remaining Titansword.
HERACLES
Titansword?

the

last

38

ARISTOTLE
Swords
forged
by
the
titans
during their war with the gods.
They
are
capable
of
cutting
through literally anything, but
will only allow themselves to be
drawn when the need is the most
dire.
HERACLES
Cut through anything? Like, say,
an immortal lion?
ORPHEUS
Easily. If you can get it out of
the scabbard.
HERACLES
Its an immortal lion. If that
isnt a good time for it to stop
being shy, I dont know what is.
ORPHEUS
Well if it doesntHERACLES
Only one way to find out.
Heracles exits the clearing purposefully with his new sword.
Aristotle and Orpheus share another look.
ORPHEUS
Will he ever stop doing that?
CUT TO:
EXT: MOLORCHOS CABIN DAY
A simple wooden cabin set in the forest trail. Molorchos waits
outside, clearly expecting the trio. The group stops as they
pass him.
MOLORCHOS
Youre Heracles.
HERACLES

39

[BEAT] I know.
MOLORCHOS
Youre going after the lion.
HERACLES
I know.
MOLORCHOS
I am Molorchos. Im here to tell
you not to. Take your things and
go home.
ORPHEUS
What?
ARISTOTLE
Why?
MOLORCHOS
Its a fools errand. I already
lost my two boys to that beast
not three nights ago; no-one else
should
lose
sons,
brothers,
friends. Youre young men; dont
throw away your lives on this.
ARISTOTLE
This is no trial of ego. We hunt
the
beast
on
the
order
of
Eurystheus.
We
cant
return
empty-handed, its more than my
friends life is worth.
MOLORCHOS
You can talk to your King, reason
with him. Theres no arguing with
the beast. Only death.

Eurystheus
reasons.

HERACLES
is not a

ORPHEUS

man

who

40

Im sorry about your sons, sir.

Its
noble
of
you
to
warn
adventurers like this. But arent
left with a choice. We will tread
carefully, I promise. And we will
ensure no-one need lose anymore
loved ones to this monster.
MOLORCHOS
[SIGHS]
I
didnt
expect
to
convince you, Ive heard of the
exploits
of
mighty
Heracles
already. But I had to try. If you
are set upon this path, then, I
have a favour to ask.
ARISTOTLE
Of course.
MOLORCHOS
If you find the bodies of my
sons, place these coins over
their eyes, for the boatman. I
[BEAT] I had not the courage to
follow them into the beasts
lair. There are six more coins,
for you to pay your own passage.
I pray you do not need them. If
you do, perhaps you and my boys
can
journey
the
underworld
together.
HERACLES
We will return your sons to you
if we can Molorchos. They will
have the burial they deserve.
MOLORCHOS
You are good men. Would that you
were wise ones. If [BEAT] when I
hear news of your passing, I will
sacrifice my ram to Zeus, in
honour of your bravery.

41

Aristotle reels suddenly, his hand rising to his perpetually

hidden left eye. The image flashes of the tearful Molorchos
placing the ram on Heracles funeral pyre. Just as suddenly,
it is gone.
HERACLES
Aristotle? Are you alright?
ARISTOTLE
Perhaps he is right, old friend.
Maybe we should try our luck with
Eurystheus.
HERACLES
Whats gotten into you? You just
said it yourself, its more than
my lifes worth.
ORPHEUS
Aristotle seems shaken, Heracles.
Maybe we should do as he says.
HERACLES
Are you in some way determined to
sabotage
all
of
my
tasks,
Orpheus?
ORPHEUS
Im trying to save your life!
HERACLES
Youve done enough!

This
Ive
its
your

MOLORCHOS
is clearly between you all.
said my piece. But for what
worth: Son [BEAT] Listen to
friends.

MOLORCHOS returns to his cabin.

HERACLES
I have better chance of slaying a
myth than escaping alive if I

42

return to Thebes having abandoned

my task. Eurystheus would flay me
alive in the town square. Ive
got this
He waves the Titansword

Im moving on. If you dont want

to come with me, dont.
The trio stare at each
Aristotle shrugs sadly.

other

in

silence

for

moment.

ARISTOTLE
Lead on, then.
The party heads on through the dense undergrowth, deeper into
the forest.
CUT TO:
EXT: LIONS DEN DAY
The afternoon sun is just beginning to wane as Heracles,
Orpheus and Aristotle encounter a beautiful young WOMAN under
attack from a lioness. The woman is backing towards a large
cave set in a hill while the lioness slinkily stalks her.
Heracles leaps forward, swinging his club in a wide arc that
catches the lioness square on the side of the face. The
lioness jumps back and turns to face Heracles, letting out a
roar.
Orpheus and Aristotle rush to Heracles side, yelling and
making such a noise that the startled lioness turns and flees.
Aristotle runs to the young womans side. Her clothing is
ragged and torn, leaving little to the imagination.
ARISTOTLE
Did it hurt you?
WOMAN
No, Im alright. I think. Thank
the gods you arrived when you
did. You men are heroes.

43

Heracles snorts.
HERACLES
We
are
none
of
us
Especially not me.

heroes.

WOMAN
But you are! All three of you!
And heroic deeds deserve heroic
reward. Why not come with me so I
can thank my heroes properly.
Orpheus stammers.
ORPHEUS
J-just a thank you is all I
need. Erm. Thanks for the, uh,
kind offer.
HERACLES
I have a wife.
This draws looks
corrects him.

from

Orpheus

and

Aristotle,

but

neither

ARISTOTLE
Ill take you up on that.
HERACLES
Is this really the time? I need
your help tracking that lioness,
she could lead us straight toARISTOTLE
Im an apothecary, Heracles, not
a hunter. Take Orpheus and track
the beast, if you need me I wont
be far.
Aristotle allows himself to be led away by the young woman.
Heracles shakes his head and follows the lioness into the
forest.

44

ORPHEUS
Is Aristotle really going to-

He has
women.

HERACLES
weakness for

pretty

After a short distance Heracles stops.

HERACLES
The
tracks.
Theyve
disappeared.

just

ORPHEUS
What? Thats not possThe sounds of a woman crying nearby steals their attention.
They follow the noise and find another young WOMAN, holding
her face in her hands and weeping. Heracles approaches her
slowly.
HERACLES
Are you alright? Miss?
The woman lets go of her face and looks at Heracles. Her nose
is bleeding freely and the side of her face is heavily
bruised.
HERACLES
What happen-?
Orpheus recalls the club hitting the lioness face, exactly
where the young woman is injured. He jumps and tackles
Heracles out of the way just as the woman jumps at him,
transforming into the lioness. Heracles is taken out of her
path, but the lioness lands on Orpheus, who struggles against
her. From this point on, Heracles is in battle mode; the
tribal drumbeat begins in his head and slowly increases.
Heracles jumps to his feet and tosses the lioness off of
Orpheus in a feat of strength, but it returns and jumps on
him. They roll down a hill, struggling against each other.
Heracles manages to pin its great paws put cant reach his
weapons without freeing them. He appears to be losing the
struggle when the lioness suddenly goes limp, changing back

45

into the form of the woman. Orpheus is on the other side,

cleaning his dagger.
HERACLES
This does not mean I have to like
you.
Orpheus shakes his head and helps Heracles to his feet. They
realise at the same time:
ORPHEUS
Aristotle.
Heracles nods and the pair sprint back the way they came.
CUT TO:
INT: LIONS DEN DAY
The Nemean Lion stands easily as tall as a man, all large,
thick muscles and sharp, curved claws. It pads slowly towards
Aristole, who has backed deep into the cave, toying with him.
The first young woman watches on gleefully, encouraging the
beast.
ARISTOTLE
Nice kitty. Erm... Whos a good boy then?
Unnoticed by those in the cave, Orpheus and Heracles have
snuck in. Heracles quietly approaches the woman from behind
and runs her through with his sword. She doesnt scream; her
mouth opens and she roars, attracting the Lions attention. It
whips around and advances on Orpheus and Heracles. Aristotle
takes advantage of its distraction to dart away and pick up
his fallen satchel. He begins rummaging inside, picking up
different coloured powders and mixing them together in a
beaker. The drumbeat has gotten much louder; Heracles is
fighting to control it.
Orpheus draws an arrow and fires
bounces harmlessly off its hide.
ORPHEUS
I think weve found the right lion!
HERACLES

at

the

Lion;

the

arrow

46

You think?
ORPHEUS
Nowd be a good time for that sword to work!
Heracles attempts to draw the sword. Its stuck fast.
HERACLES
Are you serious?! This doesnt count as dire need?
The Lion roars in the pairs faces. The drumbeat intensifies.
Just audible above it:
ARISTOTLE
Eyes! Ears!
The Lion turns to face Aristotle. Orpheus and Heracles drop to
the floor, shutting their eyes and blocking their ears.
Aristotle throws the beaker hes been preparing into the
Lions face. It shatters with a thunderous noise and blinding
flash of white light. The lion roars and begins swiping
blindly with its great claws. Orpheus pulls Heracles out of
the path of a swipe.
ARISTOTLE
Come on! We get out of here while its- Oh, no.
Orpheus lies on the ground, bleeding through long gashes on
his chest. The drumbeat has reached full volume Heracles is
transforming. Aristotle grabs Orpheus and begins dragging him
towards the exit of the cave. Orpheus staggers weakly to his
feet and walks assisted by Aristotle.
Heracles has lost all sense of self-preservation and attacks
the greatest present threat: the Lion. His weapons dont work
so he tosses them aside and attacks the lion bare-handed. They
battle against each other with equal ferocity until Heracles
is able to lock a choke on the Lions neck. He holds it there
until the lion has suffocated, then stands and beats his chest
with a roar of triumph and adrenaline. He turns next towards
Aristotle and Orpheus, who have just exited the cave. He limps
towards them, bleeding from several wounds the lion inflicted.
His grin is demonic.

47

Aristotle finds a heavy boulder and tries to roll it in front

of the cave entrance. It wont move. He tries again. Nothing.
Orpheus feebly lends a hand and after great struggling from
the both of them it slowly rolls. Just in time, it rolls to a
halt in front of Heracles before he exits the cave. The pair
can hear Heracles straining to move it from the other side. It
takes some time, but the boulder moves, then, impossibly, is
lifted into the air. Heracles heaves the boulder over his head
and tosses it aside. He stares at Aristotle and Orpheus,
breathing heavily, then, exhausted by his exertions, collapses
unconscious.
FADE TO:
EXT: LIONS DEN NIGHT
A patched and bandaged Orpheus looks much healthier as he
prepares a meal over a campfire. Aristotle tends to Heracles
wounds. Heracles is unconscious and bound by rope to a tree
trunk. He slowly opens his eyes.
ARISTOTLE
Ah, youre awake!
HERACLES
Aristotle?
ARISTOTLE
Yes?
HERACLES
I appear to be tied to a tree.
ARISTOTLE
Yes.
HERACLES
[BEAT] I lost control again.
ARISTOTLE
Its a powerful curse, Heracles. Its impressive you fight it
as well as you do. And to be honest, without it, Im not sure
we would have survived that cave.
HERACLES

48

My pride nearly got us all killed. Then I nearly did it

myself. You told me to go back. You both did. How is Orpheus?
ORPHEUS
Im fine. They were scratches, really. Aristotle patched me up
so well Im worried I wont even have scars to impress the
women!
HERACLES
You saved my life, Orpheus. More than once. And I nearly cost
you yours. I am sorry.
ORPHEUS
Its nothing. Im getting the greatest story the world will
ever know out of travelling with you. Its worth a few cuts
and bruises. Well call it atonement for what happened in the
Underworld.
HERACLES
Deal. Molorchos boys...
ARISTOTLE
I found them in the caves. The Lion... Molorchos doesnt need
to see them like they are. I placed the coins on their eyes
and said some prayers for their shades. They were brave boys,
theyll find their way to the afterlife.
HERACLES
Then I guess theres nothing left but to rest up, eat, and
find out what Eurystheus wants next. Hopefully something with
less shape shifting nymphs, next time. And could one of you
untie me from this tree?
FADE TO BLACK.