Whoa!
Sir, you grace us with your presence.
Forget the formalities. You found him?
Yes, sir. He's in a small country inn, just over the rise.
Then what are you waiting for?
Get him.
Mmm, wonderful, Epicurus, excellent.
The duck was superb and the sauce,
- well, I don't know how you do it. - Actually, it's quite simple.
It's simmered in its own blood.
- The sauce is simmered blood. - Right, ya boil it away
until it becomes this thick gel? And then--
- Epicurus, can I ask a favor? - Of course.
From now on, can you just serve the food
and not tell me how you prepare it?
- Is there something wrong? - No, not at all.
I-it was a nother great dinner. I just think a
chef should have his own little secrets.
Sure. I just thought that you--
Ah, please. Spare me the details.
- If that's the way you want it. - Nah, I didn't mean--
Spread out! Hercules, you're coming with us.
I don't think so. For openers, you didn't ask politely.
You can come the easy way or the hard way.
- It's up to you. - Am I losing my hearing?
Because I still didn't hear, 'Please'.
I think I'm gonna be sick!
Put him down.
As you wish.
Ahhhhhh!
- Are you OK? - Duck sauce.
Ahhhhh!
Excuse me.
Tell whoever sent you to give you
another lesson in manners before you come back.
I sent them.
Hades.
What are you--
- Bring him. - Yes, sir.
This is the story of a time long ago.
A time of myth and legend,
when the ancient gods were petty and cruel,
and they plagued mankind with suffering.
Only one man dared to challenge their power-Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength the world had never seen,
a strength surpassed only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth, battling the minions of wicked stepmother, Hera,
the all-powerful queen of the gods.
But wherever there was evil, wherever an innocent would suffer,
there would be Hercules.
Come on.
All right. You mind telling me what's going on?
- I need a favor. - Huh, you have a strange way of asking.
It's been too long since I've seen Persephone.
If you had lobbied harder on my behalf,
I'd be inclined to treat you better.
- You want her for the whole year. - Why not?
- We love each other. - Persephone's mother loves her too.
Six months with her, six months without her,
- it's tearing me apart! - You agreed to the terms, Hades.
- What do you want from me? - Come see this.
Well?
Hold on tight.
Isn't there an easier way to do this?
Oh, great. It's Hercules. Quick, hide the lanterns.
Yeah, it's, uh, good to see you too, Charon.
See that guy? His name is Timeron,
and this is what's in store for him.
...to Tartarus, now boarding.
Oh, he must have done something pretty
bad to deserve that kind of punishment.
- He doesn't seem the type. - He's not.
He's here 'cause a guy called Sisyphus tricked him
- into taking his place. - King Sisyphus of Corinth?
That's the one. And from what I understand,
the king's timing could have been better.
The kid got taken away on his wedding night.
He died on his wedding night. So, what do you want me to do?
Bring Sisyphus back where he belongs so the kid's
spirit can go to the Elysian Fields where it belongs.
Why me? Why not handle this yourself?
Ninety per cent soldiers. And this is just the beginning.
The Thracian Wars are starting. Ever had to sort out a battlefield?
- Maybe you should get some help - Right...
last year, Ares had thirteen wars going.
I had a staff of four. This year, twenty-two wars,
and Zeus has cut my staff to two. Go figure.
Huh. So I bring Sisyphus back. That's all I have to do.
Yeah. And you can take the kid's spirit if you think it'll help.
- Oh, and you only have three days. - Why only three?
Two reasons first off if a final resting place for
his spirit isn't designated within three days
- it's doomed to wander forever. - That's a good reason.
- What's the second? - I got inventory coming up.
Thanks, Hades.
Hercules, wait for me.
- I didn't say you could come. - You didn't say I couldn't.
It's not a good idea, Timeron. - People might get upset
if they see you're back from the dead.
Well, no one should see or hear me but you.
Besides I want to see for myself if my Daphne’s all right.
- Daphne's your wife. - Was for about four hours.
I was sorry to hear that.
We've loved each other since we were kids.
We always knew we'd get married, but we wanted to
save ourselves for each other, you know, till it was official.
You mean, you two didn't even get to share a wedding night?
Guess things don't always turn out the way you plan.
And I got this helping Hercules fight a battle near Plinth.
There were sixty warriors. They--
Yeah, very impressive but still
not enough reason to wanna run off with you.
Have you ever seen the sunrise on Mt. Olympus?
- My father would never approve. - Huh. Well then, let's not bring him.
Iolaus, I really like you,
but I'm not sure I'm ready to get serious yet.
Who said anything about serious?
Fun was more where I was going.
Uh-huh. Trouble's where we're going.
- My father will break your other arm. - Oh-ho.
Actually, from the look on my friend's face,
I don't think your father's gonna get a chance.
Uh... I gotta go.
Mmm!
- I, uh, thought we might find you here. - Who's we?
This is Timeron, my travelling companion.
- You can't see him. - Hercules, tell me you've been drinking.
- Oh, no, you don't. Um, mushrooms? - Nope.
OK. It's, uh, gonna be one of those trips, isn't it?
I'm afraid so. Io--!
- What? - Nothing.
- Does that hurt? - No.
- On his wedding night? - Yeah.
Oh boy, I can't believe someone can be that unlucky.
You know, we gotta do something about that.
I mean, that is not right saving yourselves
for each other all your lives, then not being able to, ah,
- it just isn't right. - No, it's not.
And we'll do what we can to fix it after we find Sisyphus.
- Hey, anything else I should know? - We have to do it in three days.
Three days? It'll take us a day just to get to Corinth!
Day there, day back that leaves us one day to work with.
So, we'll work fast.
Hercules, I'm more concerned about Daphne.
- I know you are. - Now what?
Ah, Timeron's worried about his wife.
But I don't understand. I have a home.
Why would the king want me to come back to the palace?
He's thinking of your safety, Daphne.
A young widow like yourself alone in that house?
- You'll be safer here. - I can take care of myself.
I'm sure you can. Still, the king
would like to offer you some sort of employment.
You'll need something to tide you over
after your husband's unfortunate demise.
- Well, I won't go back to being a maid. - Of course not.
I'm sure that's not the position he has in mind.
- How are your children these days? - Same as ever, My Lady.
My eldest wants to join the army says he doesn't
want to grow up to be anyone's servant
not that there's anything wrong with being a servant.
It's all right. I think we treat you well but there
- are other lives to live. - Yes, My Lady.
- And your daughter? - Another tale of woe.
Almost marrying age, and not a good man to be found.
- What about your baby? - Ah, not a babe anymore, My Lady.
He's turned into a strapping young lad
and eating us out of house and home.
I don't know how we'll make ends meet,
and another on the way.
Oh, I wish I had those problems, oh, children, I mean.
Yes, My Lady.
Good morning, Elusius.
- Daphne, what are you doing here? - The king requested my presence.
- What for? - Ah, King Sisyphus thought it
would be a nice gesture to offer Daphne
another employment postion mm, to, ah, help cover the
expenses of her new house the funeral arrangements.
Oh, of course, I think it's a good idea.
All of us were saddened by your husband's untimely death.
- Ah, well, carry on. - Yes, My Lady.
My Lord, the young lady, Daphne as you requested.
Send her in.
Uh, Herc, you might wanna take a look at this.
- What is it? - Well, I can see that he's going with us.
- Yeah, I can see that too. - No, no,
I can see that he's going with us.
- You can. - Uh-huh.
- Timeron, what's going on? - I'm materializing.
- Hades warned me about this. - Materializing.
Well, yeah, now everyone can see me.
Hades said it could happen if I got too emotional.
I guess the thought of seeing Daphne again--
You know, we can't take him with us like this.
There are people in town that know him.
They'll be scared out of their wits.
- But, Daphne I have to make sure-- - We'll have to find
a place to put you until we bring Sisyphus back--
- But-- - Now you'll get your chance
to see Daphne.
Emotional.
The palace is bound to be well-guarded.
How do you plan to get past them?
Easy, I'll just let you do the talking.
- Glutus, back to your post. - Yes, sir.
So, there.
Oh, boy, look at all these guards.
No worries, they'll let us walk right through.
Huh, sure, Hercules.
What business do you have in Corinth?
What?
What business do you have in Corinth?
Uh, hi, I'm Uranius, and this is my friend Plutonius.
We're in the, uh, mineral rights business.
That true? This mineral rights stuff?
I'm more into human rights, myself.
Hmm... you can go.
Hercules, old friend!
Hercules, you two have to come with us.
- Alert the king and the other guards. - Yes, sir!
- Why? We've done nothing wrong. - Orders from King Sisyphus.
We're to detain all potential troublemakers.
Oh, well, we can't go around disobeying
the king's orders, can we?
I don't see why not.
Cease! Stop this fighting!
- What's this about? - Sire, this is Hercules!
I'm King Sisyphus. Hades has sent you to bring me back.
Yes, he has.
I have army enough to stop you, but I won't.
I did a grave injustice to young Timeron.
I don't wanna incur any more of the gods' wrath.
Then you'll come peacefully?
On one condition, talk to Hades on my behalf.
- Tell him I come of my own free will. - I'll do what I can.
You know? That was a pretty cruel trick you played
on Timeron changing places with him on his wedding night.
I know I'll regret it for the rest of my days.
Then maybe you should apologize to him directly.
- He's right there. - Yeah, Hercules is the only
that who can see him most of the time.
I apologize for what I did to you, Timeron.
He's over here.
I'm truly sorry, Timeron.
Look, I... I know it's not much
and it could never make up for losing your life,
- or your wedding night, but it's-- - It's not that.
- Then, what is it? - He isn't Sisyphus.
What do you mean? He's not the king!
Old Mr... Vanish over here told us to look
for a white-haired guy with a beard!
I mean, how many can there be in the palace?
- Timeron? - Did I say anything about a scar?
- A-a ghost! - He's a spirit.
- He won't hurt you. - You know?
What I can't figure out is why either of these
guys would wanna take the place
of someone headed for the other side.
- I mean-- - I'm a poor old man.
Sisyphus promised to take care of my family if I did it.
- Hmm, high price to pay. - He swore he'd kill me if I didn't.
Well, we'll see about that. For now, let Sisyphus think
his little ruse worked, and maybe he'll let his guard down.
- But what do we do about him? - We'll find a place to hide him
for the next couple of days until we're finished.
- You're not gonna kill me! - No.
- And Timeron? - We'll have to take him
with us next time to make sure we find the right man.
What if I materialize again?
You'll just have to control your emotions,
I... we'll leave tonight.
Your trickery was brilliant, Sire.
Yes, it was.
But Hercules will eventually discover his error.
- He's not one to give up easily. - I'll double the palace security.
- He'll be arrested on sight. - Good.
Now, to other matters how's our aqueduct going?
It's almost finished, Sire.
And the amphitheater's coming along nicely.
That pleases me. Soon, Corinth will be the greatest,
most prosperous, city in the civilized world.
- And you the world's greatest king. - Yeah.
Send in the widow Daphne as you leave.
Timeron, I've seen the Elysian Fields. You'll be happy there.
Huh, maybe in fifty years, when Daphne joins me there.
- Yeah. - Sure miss her.
- You find a spot for our impostor? - Yeah, he'll be safe.
- Hey, hey, watch it. - Are you hungry?
- Yeah, you wanna find some food? - Sure, I'll get it.
No, wait, wait.
Uh, you're not gonna leave me here with Timeron, are ya?
- Is that a problem? - Well, it's...
he's not exactly the world's greatest conversationalist
- hmm, not with me, anyway. - Then why sit so close to him?
Ah, looks like he's not too happy about being
- left with you, either. - Well, can't he
wave a leaf or sum'in, so I know where he is?
Ah, Timeron?
Sometimes if I try real hard I can make things move.
- Now might be a good time to practice. - What?
Well, he's gonna...
See that leaf? That's Timeron.
- Oh. - I won't be too long.
So heard any good jokes, lately?
Daphne, I'm sorry we were interrupted before, but there
were some things I want to talk to you about.
Look out there an amphitheater, Senate forum,
aqueduct all for my subjects and all built from nothing.
And I'm afraid that it will return to nothing
without someone to carry on after I'm gone.
But you have assistants, underlings, the queen.
The queen and I won't be here forever and my assistants
I'm talking about blood an heir.
Sire, it's common knowledge that the queen is barren.
But you're not. I'm asking you to be my queen.
- Y-you already have a queen. - One who cannot give me an heir.
Think about it, Daphne.
You could bear a prince, someone who,
one day, will be a ruler of all of this.
But, Sire, with no disrespect
Timeron was the only man I ever loved.
I know your grief is fresh, but--
Three days is hardly an adequate mourning period.
I mean, even if I did care for you.
You don't have to make a decision immediately.
I know this must be a trying and emotional time for you.
But you must think of yourself your future.
Mourn... weep... grieve.
But consider my proposal from maid to queen.
Think.
- Let's eat. - Great.
Where are yours?
- What'd you do with Timeron? - Ah, he's over there,
where you left him, huh, waving his little leaf.
- That's the wind. - What?
Where'd he go?
I have a pretty good idea. Come on.
Daphne, don't cry.
Timeron?
A ghost! Someone!
Help me!
- Who was that? - Two guesses.
Daphne!
Wait! Get over here!
Stop!
Please, you must let me in. The dead have come for me.
No one enters without the king's permission.
But I'm telling you, I saw a ghost.
What's going on out there?
The maiden Daphne was trying to rush the palace, Sire.
Then let her pass!
- Daphne, my dear, what is it? - I saw the ghost of Timeron.
Come, my dear. Tell me about it.
What are you lookin' at? Move along!
Don't you guys have a home to go to?
It's all clear.
'All clear.'
Thanks.
- Uh-oh. - What?
I think you'll have to do that arrow thing again.
Think you can catch all six?
Maybe yes.
Maybe no. But twelve really worries me.
Ah, Hercules, will you be catching the arrows
from the steet first, or the ones from the roof?
- Does it matter? - I was just curious.
- Materializing. - I couldn't help it. I was scared.
What are you scared about? You are already dead.
- I know. I guess I'm just-- - ...not used to it.
Ah, it's OK. I was pretty worried there, myself.
- Come on. Let's go find Daphne. - Yeah.
Have you given any thought to my proposal?
I'm sorry, but I've no desire to be your queen
- or bear your children. - I asked you nicely.
But you forget, I am the king. I can command.
- Sire! - What is it?
Hercules has been sighted within the city
- along with Timeron's ghost. - Someone else saw him, too.
Ah, we will continue this discussion later.
I knew he wouldn't give up. I need to buy more time.
Find Hercules and whoever's with him. Detain them until I tell you.
Sire, the men are afraid. The ghost.
Tell them to be more afraid of me. Those who disobey
will have their heads decorating my chamber!
- Hercules won't be easy to detain. - Do what is necessary.
- Including killing him? - If that's what it takes!
What're we gonna do? We're running outta time?
- Why is he still visible? - Ah, he's upset.
He's worried we won't get Sisyphus back in time.
Ah well, don't worry.
Hercules always comes up with something. Don't you?
Working on it.
- I'm working on it. - Ah, see? He's working on it.
- Sisyphus? - Karis, I didn't hear you come in.
I saw Daphne outside. She was very upset.
- What is going on? - The oracle at Delphi
told me that the girl, Daphne, could bear my child.
You would do that? Marry her? Throw me over as the queen?
No, of course not. The child would be raised as our own.
- Then Daphne would be sent away. - What if she refused?
You wouldn't.
Of course not I would never harm the girl.
Somehow, I get the feeling you're not telling me
- the whole story about Timeron. - I have.
What else is there to tell?
The oracle warned me about my enemies.
Timeron took my place to confuse them.
I didn't know the boy was gonna get killed.
No one feels worse about his death than I.
Easy, I'm a friend of Timeron's and I've come to help.
- But I just saw Timeron, he's a-- - Spirit.
- But he's not here to harm you. - Then he really is dead.
Yes.
It's so unfair. The plans we made all those years we waited.
I know. But you can help us find justice.
How?
By helping us take Sisyphus back to the other side.
You worked in the palace. You must know of a secret entrance,
some gate less guarded than the others.
Halt! Maiden Daphne... great.
- Where do you think you're going? - This man's a seer.
He has knowledge of Hercules' whereabouts.
Let him in. Don't let him in? Let him in?
But don't touch him! He's a leper. The king is waiting.
Proceed!
Wasn't that easier than fighting our way in, huh?
- Nobody got hurt. - Well, it's OK for you.
You didn't have to wear a stupid costume.
I enjoyed it.
Nah, she looked pretty young?
I thought you said this was a secret entrance.
This way.
What?
- What is it? - Herc... Herc...
Hercules.
- I think they're looking for me. - So you must be Hercules.
- And you must be the real Sisyphus. - Suppose I am.
This is totally unfair, you know.
If you wanna talk about unfair, talk to Timeron and Daphne.
That was unfortunate, but I had no choice.
Do you know why I was called early?
- It doesn't matter to me. - It should.
It involves your father. Zeus was trying to
seduce the daughter of one of my noblemen.
I told the man. It seemed the decent thing to do.
Your father did not appreciate the gesture.
It never stops with him.
Hercules, this could be the greatest city in the known world.
But it needs me to keep it running. My work isn't finished.
That may be but it doesn't justify ruining
two lives with that trick you played on Timeron.
How could you compare their lives with mine?
I'm a king. I built this city out of a swamp.
You built it on the spoils of war and the plunder of
other cities sacked and pillaged by your army.
Great leaders have to make tough decisions.
I am a great leader. I'm a great king.
Timeron was a commoner, a guard.
But no less human, or deserving of happiness.
You argue that, as if you were a common mortal.
And you argue as if you were a god
which is why I'm happy to take you back.
Maybe but I'm not ready to go.
We are.
Daphne.
Timeron.
- I've missed you so. - I want to kiss and hold you so bad.
- I love you so much. - Why can't you be here with me?
I'm sorry. I wish I could.
I don't think I can go on without you.
What are you saying?
If you can't come back to me then I'll join you.
Daphne!
Stop! Where do you think you're going with him?
- We're taking him where he belongs. - Hercules!
- You gotta help me. - Timeron.
Ah, Timeron, this isn't a real good time.
- Ya gotta come please. - What's the problem?
It's Daphne. She ran up to the tower. I couldn't stop her.
- So, what's she doing up there? - I think she's gonna kill herself.
Daphne. Don't.
It's the only way I can be with him.
No, y... you can hold him in your heart.
Daphne, one thing certain in life is death.
Don't rush it. It'll come soon enough.
Enjoy whatever life has to offer you now.
I don't wanna marry Sisyphus or bear his children.
And you won't have to. See, we're taking him to Hades.
He'll decide where he belongs.
Timeron and I wanted to have children of our own so badly
and we didn't even get to enjoy our wedding night.
- Life without him isn't worth living. - He wouldn't want this.
Ask him yourself.
Daphne, w... we'll be together again.
It may be awhile, but if you could have a happy life
- the wait would be worthwhile. - Listen to him, Daphne.
Look at him. Does he look like he wants you to die now?
Hold on to life, Daphne.
It's too precious.
Please.
Well, you said I should watch him.
You never said anything about her.
It just isn't fair taking him away early because of Zeus' revenge.
Oh, and you think it's fair that he switched places
with Timeron on his wedding night?
What do you mean, 'Switched places.'?
Ask him what he was doing in Daphne's bedroom
the night Thanatos was supposed to take him away.
- Nothing happened, ask her. - I'm more interested in your intent.
Enough of this babble, it doesn't matter now, anyway.
You realize I have no choice but to kill you and your friend?
That won't help you. But I'm taking you back.
- Hades will come for you soon enough. - Timeron?
- Guards, seize them. - What about Daphne?
- Take her to my chamber. - No, this isn't right!
Karis, we've been through all of this.
It's wrong! I won't be a party to it.
Then you won't be my queen, anymore. I must have an heir!
Guards! Take them all to the dungeons and execute them!
Stop! Don't take another step! I am still your queen!
Not anymore. Take them all away!
Aaahhhh!
Thanks, Timeron.
I never did like him, anyway.
Hi. Thanks. Come on.
Timeron! Timeron, if only I could...
- You know? - I miss you so much.
We're gonna have to leave now,
if we wanna make it by first light.
Yeah, you're right.
All right, let's go, King.
Goodbye, my love.
Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait.
You think the army'd be different once you're dead.
Here's your man, Hades, right on time.
Tartarus, watch him close.
- Hey! No cuts! - Yeah, that's right, pal.
- Money talks. No coinee, no ridee. - Just put it on my tab.
- What am I? A restaurant? - You know I'm good for it.
Ah! What'd ya mean, 'Put in on my tab'?
First, ya steal my lantern. Then, ya steal my pig!
Now, ya expect me to take Sisyphus across the River Styx!
Hades, I, uh, I was wondering if there's anything
- we could do for Timeron. - You've already done it.
His spirit's headed for the Elysian Fields.
No, no, I mean, physically. He and Daphne were so much in love.
Well, to have their wedding night interrupted before...
- Before what? - Y... well, you know, honeymoon.
Oh, right, I see what you mean. That is a tough break.
Still we have rules. Once you're on the other side--
Come on, Hades, you and your rules.
What if this were you and Persephone? Look at him.
- Come on. - OK.
I'll release his spirit for twenty-four hours,
but don't you let this get around.
- Zeus'd have a fit if he found out. - Can't have that, can we?
Thanks. Oh, it's a little tough for a spirit to you know,
and for Daphne, i-it's their wedding night, remember?
All right, I see what you mean.
Timeron'll have ta borrow a body.
Borrow a body, right. Whose? I...
Hades, I-it's...
Hi... um...
Oh, Timeron, I knew you'd come.
- I love you so. - I love you, too.
Captioned by Grantman Brown