Hades

Hades in Greek Mythology

Hades is the Greek god of the underworld, the realm of the dead. His name means The Unseen One. The Greeks rarely used this name, though, as they feared attracting his attention. Instead, they often referred to him as Plouton, The Wealth-Giver, because he ruled over the riches beneath the earth.

Hades is the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. He is the brother of Zeus, Poseidon, Demeter, Hera, and Hestia. After the overthrow of the Titans, the kingdom was divided among the brothers. Zeus received the sky, Poseidon the sea, and Hades the underworld.

Hades is often depicted with his three-headed dog, Cerberus, and a bident, a two-pronged staff. He is also known for his helmet of invisibility, which allowed him to move unseen among mortals and immortals.

The Abduction of Persephone

One of the most famous myths involving Hades is the abduction of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter. Hades fell in love with Persephone and abducted her to the underworld to be his wife. Demeter, heartbroken, caused a great famine on earth. Zeus intervened and decreed that Persephone would spend part of the year with Hades in the underworld and part of the year with her mother on earth. This myth is often seen as an explanation for the changing seasons.

Hades' Character

Hades was a stern and unyielding god, but he was not considered evil. He ruled the underworld fairly and ensured that the dead were treated with respect. However, he was also feared by mortals, who rarely spoke his name aloud.

Hades in Roman Mythology

In Roman mythology, Hades is known as Pluto, the Roman equivalent of the Greek name. Pluto was also associated with wealth and abundance, as he ruled over the riches beneath the earth.

Before the Romans adopted the Greek Pluto, they worshipped Dis Pater as the god of the underworld. Dis Pater means Rich Father or Wealthy Father, reflecting the belief that the underworld held vast riches. He was later equated with Pluto and Hades.

Hades in God of War

Hades appears as a major antagonist in the Greek Era of the God of War video game franchise. In the games, Hades is depicted as a fearsome and powerful god with control over souls and the ability to manipulate fire from the underworld. He is eventually defeated and killed by Kratos.

I would like to contribute information about Hades to the knowledge base.