Hades, known as Pluto in Roman mythology, ruled the Greek underworld, representing the realm of the deceased in both Greek and Roman traditions. Unlike modern interpretations that often equate the underworld with Hell and its governing deity as a figure of malice, the ancient Greeks and Romans viewed Hades as a dark but necessary domain governed by a god who, while somber, was not inherently evil. Instead, he presided over the laws of death and the afterlife.
Essentials of Hades Mythology
Alternate Names: Zeus Katachthonions (Zeus of the Underworld), Epithets: Aïdes (The Unseen One), Plouton (Wealth-Giver), Polydegmon (The Hospitable), and others.
Cultural Context: Found in Classical Greece and the Roman Empire.
Primary Texts: Drawn from works by Homer.
Domain: Ruler of the Underworld and the dead.
Family Ties: Son of Kronos and Rhea, sibling to Zeus and Poseidon, and wed to Persephone.
The Origin of Hades
In Greek lore, Hades was born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea, alongside siblings Zeus, Poseidon, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera. Upon learning of a prophecy that foretold his downfall at the hands of his children, Cronus devoured all but Zeus. After Zeus forced Cronus to regurgitate his siblings, a cataclysmic war erupted between the gods and Titans. Upon emerging victorious, the three brothers drew lots to allocate their dominions—Zeus becoming the lord of the Sky, Poseidon the ruler of the Sea, and Hades the sovereign of the Underworld, with Zeus additionally named King of the Gods.
Upon acquiring his territory, Hades retreated into solitude, distancing himself from both the living and other gods in subsequent narratives.
Visual Representation and Public Persona
While Hades seldom appeared in ancient artwork, depictions of him include a scepter or a key, symbolizing his authority. In Roman art, he is often shown with a cornucopia. His portrayals typically reflect a grimmer counterpart to Zeus; indeed, the Roman philosopher Seneca depicted his demeanor as akin to a wrathful version of Jupiter. Hades sometimes donned a radiant crown or a bear’s head covering and possessed a cap that rendered him imperceptible.
The myriad of epithets attributed to Hades indicates a cultural sensitivity towards death, making indirect references preferable. In Roman adaptations, Hades was known as Pluto or Dis, while his consort became Proserpina.
Significance in Mythology
Functioning as the overseer of the deceased, Hades is characterized as stern and unyielding, ensuring the integrity of his realm. He maintained strict control over the souls within, never allowing them to escape without divine intervention. The only notable exception to his control was his abduction of Persephone. Among the pantheon of gods, only Hermes occasionally visited Hades to fulfill his duties.
Despite being feared, Hades was not worshipped extensively, illustrated by the few temples dedicated to him, such as one in Elis which was accessible only on a single day each year.
The Underworld: Structure and Process
Hades’ realm was the domain where souls resided post-mortem. Accounts like “The Odyssey” recount episodes wherein living individuals ventured into Hades’ territory and returned unharmed. The transit of souls to the Underworld was facilitated by Hermes, who guided them to Charon, the ferryman who transported them across the River Styx. Upon arrival, souls encountered Cerberus, the formidable three-headed dog who permitted entry into Hades but barred any possibility of returning to the living world.
Several myths also described a judgment process whereby the deceased were sorted based on their earthly deeds. Those deemed righteous could drink from the River Lethe, promoting forgetfulness and granting them eternal peace in the Elysian Fields, while the wicked faced punishment in Tartarus.
The Tale of Hades and Persephone
One of the most famous myths surrounding Hades concerns his acquisition of Persephone, primarily detailed in the Homeric “Hymn to Demeter.” As Demeter’s sole child, Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades emerged from the earth, abducting her in a golden chariot. Only Hekate and Helios witnessed this act, while Demeter tirelessly searched for her daughter for nine days. Upon learning the truth from Helios, Demeter retreated from Olympus, leading to a barren world in her grief.
In response to her despair, Zeus dispatched Iris and the other gods to persuade her to return, but she insisted on seeing Persephone. Ultimately, Zeus sent Hermes to negotiate her release with Hades, who reluctantly agreed but slyly fed her pomegranate seeds, binding her to the Underworld. The result was a compromise where Persephone would spend one-third of the year with Hades and two-thirds with Demeter, marking her as a dual-natured goddess, representing both the realms of the dead and renewal.
Additional Hades Legends
Several other stories also feature Hades. For instance, to complete a labor for King Eurystheus, Heracles was tasked with retrieving Cerberus from the Underworld, receiving assistance from Athena. Hades allowed this capture—provided no weapons were utilized. In another story, the hero Theseus, alongside Perithous, attempted to abduct Persephone but fell victim to a trap set by Hades, where they were ensnared in chairs of forgetfulness until rescued by Heracles.
Another account details how Hades fell for the ocean-nymph Leuke, mourning her death by planting a white poplar to commemorate her in the Elysian Fields.
