Hercules was born on Mount Olympus with all the powers of a god, to parents, Zeus and Hera. In this movie Hera has been recast as a loving mother instead of a spiteful stepmother like in Mythological tales. On the celebration of his birth, during which the Olympian gods present the infant god with a multitude of gifts. Zeus himself creates the winged-horse Pegasus as a gift. It seems to be a joyous occasion, although one god is not happy about the new arrival: Hercules's evil uncle Hades, lord of the Underworld.
Hercules is kidnapped and rendered mortal, although he managed to retain his godlike strength and durability. In order to return to Mount Olympus and reunite with his family, Hercules must prove himself a true hero. What exactly that means is something that he must discover alone.