Evolution of the Hercules image in soviet animation

The concept of heroic is an integral part of the mythosystem and ideological constructs characteristic of the culture of a particular period. In Soviet culture, the heroic is modeled and promoted through artistic images that reproduce the ideals of the Soviet state. A special role in the concept of heroic is given to the image of a hero who reflects the ideals of society and broadcasts a pattern of behavior that meets the picture of the world characteristic of culture. Based on the traditions of the Greek mythosystem, Soviet culture transforms ideas about the heroic and hero in accordance with ideological attitudes. The article analyzed the evolution of the image of Hercules in the Soviet animation in two periods: the period of «stagnation» and the period of «perestroika». The authors turn to the cycles of animated films created based on the Greek mythology by directors A. G. Snezhko-Blotsky and A. A. Petrov. Focusing on the plot basis and interpretation of Greek myths presented by A. G. Snezhko-Blotsky, the authors note the glorification of the image of Hercules, which differs from the concept of heroic, presented in the Greek mythosystem. The image of Hercules acquires a synthetic character, combining the features of the heroes of Greek mythology and Soviet culture, the tragic character of the heroic is emphasized, the mythological chronotope acquires historical features. Analyzing the cycle of cartoons created by A. A. Petrov, the authors focus on the evolution of the concept of heroic, which loses scale and loses its dominant character. Heroic is replaced by lyrical, psychologism and universal human problems come to the fore, not burdened with ideological connotations. The article notes the influence of sociocultural processes on the meaningful constructs of the Soviet mythosystem, which lead to a change in cultural codes and their representation in domestic animation.