In ancient Greece, the newborn son of the powerful gods Zeus and Hera is kidnapped by minions of the Underworld ruler Hades, who intends to overthrow Zeus. The baby Hercules is stripped of his immortality and left on Earth, where he retains his god-like strength. Raised by mortal farmers, Hercules grows up confused about his extraordinary abilities. Upon discovering his divine origins and learning his true identity, he sets out to prove himself a hero and reclaim his place among the gods. An elderly mentor named Philoctetes trains him, helping Hercules harness his strength and transforming him into a formidable warrior.

The path to proving himself a true hero leads Hercules through numerous trials against monstrous adversaries and rescue missions that test his courage and heart. Along the way, he meets Megara, a witty and cynical woman with a mysterious past, and develops feelings for her. Meanwhile, Hades continues plotting to exploit Hercules in order to achieve his own sinister goals. Hercules' journey becomes not just a quest for divine approval but also a deeper exploration of what it means to be a hero, involving personal sacrifice, inner strength, and human connections.