Ares has traditionally fulfilled the role of Hercules's arch-nemesis.  Both have a bloodlust, love of battle, fierce warrior nature, preference for direct confrontations and brute force in combat.  Both were bred to be the champion of Olympus and via for Zeus's favor.  Hercules usually has a better moral compass and knows when to draw the line in his lust for battle.  Ares usually does not.  Despite this, I've always found Ares a bit lacking.  He usually challenges Hercules to direct battle pitting his own strength and rage against Herc.  We all know how well that turns out.  
 
What about Apollo though?  Would he make a better rival?  Apollo is a god more associated with intellect, law and civilization compared to impulsive, chaotic and more savage Hercules.  Apollo fights from a distance using arrows and solar blasts.  Hercules prefers up close and personal with his fists.  Apollo was one of the most popular gods in the ancient world equal to or greater than Hercules.  Nowadays Apollo is mostly forgotten or regulated to history texts compare to Herc who is more popular than ever.  At the same time both share the typical Olympian virtues/vices of arrogance and lust.
 
Could a good story be written of Apollo being something of an antagonist for Hercules.  I don't seem him as an outright villain, but a rival of sorts.  Apollo is miffed at being overlooked in modern times for someone he sees a clown.  He could be seeking the approval of Zeus by proving his superiority over Hercules.  Maybe Apollo was once the most favored son and now seeks to regain his status.  He could set up contests where he tries to either embarrass Hercules or prove the superiority of his mind over Herc's muscle.  I wouldn't see it as a hate-hate relationship like that between Ares and Hercules.  I would see it more of typically sibling rivalry.  They get into fights that look fierce to outsiders, but is more like brotherly wrestling.  Deep down they would still care for each other (to some degree) and not want any permanent damage done.  And could set apart their rivalry when need be.
 
Another aspect is direct battle between the two.  IIRC, Apollo is the only god Hercules was not given a win over.  Herc defeated a river god, Ares, Hades, and nearly beat Poseidon.  Apollo was the only god Hercules was not given a victory over due to Zeus breaking it up.  In one myth, in the first Olympic games Apollo defeated Ares in a boxing match.  So with the myths being pretty much true in Marvel, would anybody find a contest between the two worth reading about?
 
thoughts?

I'd check it out and probably enjoy it, too, as long as Marvel was able to keep their fight in the realm of rivalry and did'nt make Apollo a villain (He's the God of Light and Knowledge, for god sake). Though Apollo is nowhere near Hercules in strength (and possibly stamina, too), his comparable durability and archery prowess (compared to Herc) added to his definite advantage in energy manipulation could make for an interesting bout.

@seekquaze: I agree that Hercules would have to come up with something better than just toughness to defeat Apollo due to Apollo's solar powers and archery skillls, but Apollo would be at leat equally hard-pressed to last against Hercules on a physical level. Apollo should be a skilled warrior (he is in the myths - which Marvel seems to mostly recognize), but Hercules has fought and defeated every manner of titan, giant, monster, demon, villain, etc. over the ages while Apollo has largely lived a godly life of luxury. I think the skill and experience factors both favor Hercules. Clearly, both Hercules and Apollo each have their own advantages in a battle against each other but they could still have a very good battle if each could exploit his advantages.

@Z3RO180 said:

@PowerHerc: if they square off appolo would last 3 maybe 4 seconds.

I agree. If Apollo didn't use any of his godly solar powers, Hercules would beat him down in 3 or 4 seconds.

If Apollo did use stated powers, then it would take Hercules maybe 15 or 20 minutes to finish him

@PowerHerc:

I think it depends on how good of a fighter Apollos is portrayed as. I could see him lasting a few minutes against Hercules without any of his solar powers. With them I could see him actually beating Hercules closet to fifty percent of the time.

Why did my mind immediately go to Hercules and wildstorm Apollo slashfic?

Edit: Also, look at that Apollo costume. It's awesome. It's instantly iconic. It's perfect. I weep for the new crappy Apollo/Midnighter costumes in the DC revamp.

@seekquaze said:

@PowerHerc:

I think it depends on how good of a fighter Apollos is portrayed as. I could see him lasting a few minutes against Hercules without any of his solar powers. With them I could see him actually beating Hercules closet to fifty percent of the time.

Even with his solar powers I don't think he could win half the time against Hercules. Maybe 20% at best.

@PowerHerc said:

@seekquaze said:

@PowerHerc:

I think it depends on how good of a fighter Apollos is portrayed as. I could see him lasting a few minutes against Hercules without any of his solar powers. With them I could see him actually beating Hercules closet to fifty percent of the time.

Even with his solar powers I don't think he could win half the time against Hercules. Maybe 20% at best.

The issue I would have with that is Apollo is supposed to be one of the more powerful gods and for all intents and purposes a walking sun. To me his solar powers should pretty much equal what Hercules can do in strength or at least be close to it. There was a time when Pluto could give Thor a good fight and with his other powers stand a good chance at winning. Nowadays he often comes across as a straight punching bag. We saw what Pak did to Neptune. If even when using other powers Hercules is still so far above everyone except Zeus then it is no wonder Herc was bored out of his mind on Olympus. For a guy who values his fighting skills and battle to have no one who can even give him a decent challenge would have to be close to puragtory for him. Thor at least has the nine worlds to explore and several beings who can challenge him on a regular basis to put up a good fight. Herc has zero.

@seekquaze said:

@PowerHerc said:

@seekquaze said:

@PowerHerc:

I think it depends on how good of a fighter Apollos is portrayed as. I could see him lasting a few minutes against Hercules without any of his solar powers. With them I could see him actually beating Hercules closet to fifty percent of the time.

Even with his solar powers I don't think he could win half the time against Hercules. Maybe 20% at best.

The issue I would have with that is Apollo is supposed to be one of the more powerful gods and for all intents and purposes a walking sun. To me his solar powers should pretty much equal what Hercules can do in strength or at least be close to it. There was a time when Pluto could give Thor a good fight and with his other powers stand a good chance at winning. Nowadays he often comes across as a straight punching bag. We saw what Pak did to Neptune. If even when using other powers Hercules is still so far above everyone except Zeus then it is no wonder Herc was bored out of his mind on Olympus. For a guy who values his fighting skills and battle to have no one who can even give him a decent challenge would have to be close to puragtory for him. Thor at least has the nine worlds to explore and several beings who can challenge him on a regular basis to put up a good fight. Herc has zero.

Good points.

I, too, think Hercules required more challenges than Olympus could present which lead him to seek the thrill of battle anywhere and everywhere he could.