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Without a doubt, the most crucial action Hercules takes in the 1997 film is sacrificing his own god-like strength to save Megara from the River Styx, the river of the dead.
This action is so important because it proves that Hercules has become a true hero, not just a strong one. He has spent the entire film trying to earn his godhood back by completing heroic deeds, but initially, those deeds were motivated by a desire for fame and recognition, and a feeling of entitlement. He needed to prove himself.
Sacrificing his strength, and potentially his life, for Megara demonstrates a selfless love and genuine compassion. It's the ultimate test of his character. He realizes that true heroism isn't about being powerful or famous, but about being willing to give everything for others, even at his own expense. His willingness to risk everything proves he's worthy of Olympus.
As for who helps him make it... this is tricky. No one actively helps Hercules make the choice to sacrifice himself. Megara is already dead, and he is simply acting instinctively and from his own free will. However, one could argue that Philoctetes, his satyr trainer, played a key role in developing Hercules into a hero, even though Phil often doubted him. Phil pushed Hercules to train, to use his strength for good, and to believe in himself. Ultimately, though, the choice, and the inherent strength to act on it, rested solely with Hercules. So, while Phil played a huge part in preparing Hercules to be the hero who could make that sacrifice, the sacrifice itself was a truly individual act.
The AI summary completely overlooks that Megara sacrifices herself by pushing Hercules out of the way of falling debris during the Cyclops battle, getting mortally wounded. This sacrifice breaks Hades' deal (which required Meg not be harmed) and restores Hercules' strength, enabling him to defeat the Titans. Without Meg's sacrifice, Hercules' subsequent sacrifice would not have been possible. Multiple sources explicitly state 'both Megara and Hercules sacrifice themselves for each other' and note this as a key structural element of the climax.
The AI summary incorrectly states Hercules sacrifices his 'god-like strength' when in fact he sacrifices his LIFE/SOUL. The sequence is critical: (1) Meg gets injured saving Hercules, breaking Hades' deal; (2) Hercules' strength is restored; (3) Hercules defeats the Titans; (4) Meg dies from her injuries; (5) Hercules offers his soul to Hades in exchange for Meg's freedom; (6) Hercules dives into the River Styx, which drains his life force, to retrieve Meg's soul. His willingness to die proves him a true hero and restores his godhood/immortality.
After rescuing Meg and being welcomed to Olympus as a god, Hercules makes another crucial choice: he gives up his immortality to stay on Earth with Meg. This choice reinforces the film's theme that true heroism and happiness come from love and connection, not power and glory. While the question asks about the 'most crucial action,' this final choice is thematically significant and completes Hercules' character arc.
The summary mentions Phil's training role but omits that Phil specifically returns to help Hercules defeat the Cyclops AFTER Hercules has lost his strength through Hades' deal. Meg and Pegasus convince Phil to return, and Phil's coaching helps the powerless Hercules use ingenuity to defeat the monster. This is more direct assistance toward the crucial moment than the summary suggests.
The most crucial action in Disney's Hercules (1997) is actually a pair of reciprocal sacrifices that form the climax:
Megara's Sacrifice (First Crucial Action): During the battle with the Cyclops, Megara pushes Hercules out of the way of falling debris and is mortally wounded. This sacrifice breaks Hades' deal (which stipulated Meg would not be harmed) and restores Hercules' god-like strength, enabling him to defeat the Titans and save Olympus.
Hercules' Sacrifice (Second Crucial Action): After Meg dies from her injuries, Hercules travels to the Underworld and offers his soul to Hades in exchange for Meg's freedom. He dives into the River Styx to retrieve her soul, knowing the river will drain his life force and kill him. His willingness to sacrifice his LIFE (not his strength, which was already restored) for Meg proves him a 'true hero' through the 'strength of his heart,' and this act of selfless love restores his godhood and immortality.
Who helps him make it?
The film's structure emphasizes that true heroism comes from selfless sacrifice for others, not from fame or power. Hercules makes a third crucial choice after becoming a god: he gives up his immortality to remain on Earth with Meg, choosing love over divine power.