Hercules is the main character in the tv series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, shortened "H:TLJ" (1995-1999), where he was portrayed by Kevin Sorbo, and in its spin-off series Young Hercules (where he as played by Ryan Gosling) and in Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001, Kevin Sorbo). Hercules (Greek: Ἡρακλῆς AKA Herakles) was a legendary Greek hero, the immortal Half-God and son of Zeus, King of the Olympians, and the mortal woman Alcmene. Due to his earliest exploits at the Academy, his name would be known throughout the Known World. His parentage and favoritism from his father, Zeus made him a target of hatred by some of the other Olympians, notably Hera and Ares. On the other hand, his heroic deeds and noble labors and saving lives made him the greatest hero for mankind and his legend lived on for centuries throughout the ages. Hercules saved the Earth from certain terror, monsters, and threats on countless occasions. His notable feats include creating the Olympics, joining the Argonauts, stopping Dahak, averting the Apocalypse and living well into the 20th century. Along with his friend Iolaus, he traveled beyond Greece to lands such as Eire, Norseland, Sumeria, Britannia, and Egypt, preventing evil and protecting mortals alike.