Hades, known as Haides in Greek mythology, occupies a prominent position as the ruler of the Underworld and god associated with death. He oversees the protocols governing burial rites and ensures that the deceased receive proper memorials. In addition to his dominion over the dead, Hades represents the concealed riches of the earth, ranging from the fertile soil that nourishes crops to the treasures extracted from mining, including gold and silver.
Hades’ life began tumultuously, as he was swallowed by his father, Cronos, alongside his siblings at birth. Their eventual release, orchestrated by his brother Zeus, marked the defeat of the Titans, resulting in a division of the cosmos in which Hades was awarded the dark and somber domain of the Underworld.
Yearning for companionship, Hades sought a wife and requested one of Zeus’ daughters. Zeus bestowed upon him Persephone, the daughter of Demeter. However, recognizing that Persephone would likely oppose this union, Hades opted for an abduction. Demeter’s wrath at losing her daughter led to significant disruptions on earth, prompting Zeus to intervene. Though reluctantly, Persephone was allowed to surface from the Underworld, yet because she had consumed the seeds of a pomegranate, she was bound to return to Hades for part of the year.
Hades is often depicted with a regal demeanor, characterized by a dark beard. Representations frequently portray him as Aidoneus, seated on a throne in the Underworld, holding a scepter topped with a bird, or as Plouton, the deity of wealth bestowing prosperity through a cornucopia. His Roman equivalent bears the name Pluto, which also suggests a connection to his role as the giver of riches.
Family of Hades
Parentage
Hades is the son of Cronos and Rhea.
Progeny
His offspring includes:
– The Erinyes (Furies) from Persephone
– Zagreus
– Melinoe (also from Persephone)
– Makaria
Characteristics of Hades
Hades, also referred to as Plouton or other poetic variations like Aïdês and Aidôneus, was acknowledged as the god reigning over the Lower World. Ancient traditions indicate that many preferred to call him Plouton rather than utter the name Haides, perceived with apprehension. The origins of the name Haides remain ambiguous; some attribute it to a-idein, meaning “the unknown one,” while others suggest a derivation from “to be all-embracing.”
Known as Zeus of the Underworld, he shares familial ties with Zeus and Poseidon, collectively ruling different realms—Hades overseeing the shadowy domain inhabited by souls. Despite his ownership of the Underworld, Hades was said to rarely intervene in earthly matters, primarily motivated by the oaths of mortals which reached the ears of the Erinnyes. He owned a helmet granting invisibility, a gift from the Cyclopes, which bolstered his capability to govern the spirits.
Worship and Representation
Though Hades’ countenance resembles the potent imagery of his brothers, a notable feature was his darker presence. Statues often depict him with attributes such as the key to the Underworld or accompanied by Cerberus, his three-headed guard dog. Worship of Hades was common in various regions, including temples dedicated to him that focused on honoring the dead with solemn sacrifices, usually including black sheep.
In literature, Hades appears consistently throughout ancient sources, with Homer predominantly referring to him as Aides. Over time, however, his name became synonymous with the realm of the dead itself, culminating in a complex interplay of myth and tradition regarding the locations of souls.
Through art and storytelling, Hades is entwined with many myths, including those of Persephone, Orpheus, and Heracles, each underscoring his duality as both a feared figure and a ruler who orchestrates the fate of souls.
Summary
Hades, the complicated deity of the Underworld, represents both wealth and the finality of death, intertwining his stories with themes of love, loss, and retribution, highlighting the profound implications of his rulership over spirits.
