In the realm of ancient Roman mythology, Pluto is recognized as the deity governing the Underworld, where souls transit after their earthly existence. Known alternatively as Dis Pater or Orcus, he is often compared to his Greek counterpart, Hades, sharing similar domains yet differing in personas and characteristics.
As a sibling to deities such as Jupiter and Neptune (the Greek Zeus and Poseidon), Pluto is typically portrayed as an imposing and somber entity, closely linked to themes of death and the afterlife. One of the most notable tales around him is the abduction of Proserpina (known as Persephone in Greek lore).
Who Was Pluto? Greek God or Roman Deity?
Pluto is predominantly seen as the Roman adaptation of Hades, though comparisons between the two are nuanced. The term “Pluto” signifies wealth in Latin, leading to perceptions of him as incredibly affluent, possessing vast treasures including gold and precious gems hidden within the earth.
His command over such riches relates directly to his dominion over the Underworld. While the persona of Hades inspired dread among mortals, with people avoiding uttering his name out of fear, Pluto did not evoke the same level of fear in Roman culture.
Pluto in Roman Mythology
The portrayal of Pluto in Roman mythology diverges from that of Hades. Over time, the name Hades evolved from representing only the Greek god to symbolizing the entire Underworld realm. Romans adopted the name Pluto for their god of the Underworld, strongly linking the two mythologies. However, while they may be seen as synonymous, the conceptualization varies, with Pluto offering a more benevolent figure overseeing the afterlife.
Dis Pater
As the language and culture of the Romans developed, they began to shift away from using Dis Pater—the original Roman god of the Underworld—in favor of Pluto. Dis Pater’s meaning, “the rich father,” fits with Pluto’s characterization, as both are associated with wealth. The name Pluto itself is a derivative of the Greek “Plouton,” further tying him to abundance.
The Origin of Pluto
According to Roman myth, existence began with an abyss of darkness until Mother Earth, or Terra, emerged from it and created Caelus, the god of the skies. Their union bore a race of giants known as Titans.
Conflict arose when Saturn, one of the younger Titans, challenged his father for supremacy, leading to a cosmic struggle that ultimately resulted in Saturn swallowing each of his children at birth to prevent their usurpation. However, Ops, Saturn’s wife, concealed their sixth child, Jupiter, who later returned to reclaim his siblings, including Pluto.
How Pluto Became the God of the Underworld
Following the fierce clash known as Titanomachy between the Titans and Olympians, the latter triumphed, with Jupiter ascending to rule the heavens. He subsequently divided the universe among his siblings, assigning Pluto the Underworld, which was somewhat at odds with his true disposition.
Pluto as Ruler of the Underworld
As sovereign of the Underworld, Pluto resided in a palace beneath the Earth, isolated from other deities, and he sporadically ventured above ground. His primary role was to claim the souls meant for the Underworld, ensuring they remained there eternally.
The Underworld
In Roman belief, the Underworld was envisioned as a destination for malevolent souls post-mortem, meticulously governed by Pluto. It was divided into five distinct sections, conveyed by five rivers: Acheron (river of woe), Cocytus (river of lamentation), Phlegethon (river of fire), Styx (river of unbreakable oath), and Lethe (river of forgetfulness).
The concept of a master of the Underworld parallels figures like Satan in Christianity or Iblis in Islamic tradition.
Cerberus
To aid in managing the Underworld, Pluto had Cerberus, a fearsome three-headed canine tasked with preventing escapes from his dominion. This monstrous guardian permitted only the deceased entry, yet legends speak of Orpheus charming Cerberus with his enchanting music to gain access.
Underground Wealth
Pluto was synonymous with wealth, albeit the connection can be misleading. While he shared riches from the Underworld, another deity, Plutus, was also associated with abundance but focused more on agricultural prosperity.
Pluto and Hades
Notably, Pluto’s relationship with wealth differs from that of Hades, who lacks the same associations. Pluto’s dominion brings to mind a more corporeal connection with the treasures of the earth, unlike Hades, whose identity increasingly translated to infernal themes.
Pluto and Prospero
Prosperina (Persephone) was renowned for her beauty, compelling her mother to shield her from the gaze of deities and men. Nevertheless, Fate intertwined the lives of Pluto and Prosperina when Cupid struck him with love’s arrow, driving him to abduct her while she gathered flowers, plunging her into the depths of the Underworld.
In response to her disappearance, Jupiter sought to rescue his daughter, confronting Pluto, who secured a compromise: Prosperina would stay with him for part of the year, having crafted circumstances compelling her to partake in pomegranate seeds, binding her to the Underworld for six months annually, thus leading to seasonal changes on Earth.
Pluto’s Appearance
Pluto’s depiction generally features an ambiguous palette; he embodies the darkness of the Underworld yet is often shown with a pale complexion. He is described riding a chariot drawn by seven black horses, brandishing a scepter, and often accompanied by his fearsome companion, Cerberus, whose snake-decorated form signifies his deadly nature.
A Multi-Faceted God
Pluto’s narrative is multifaceted, intertwining various tales. Unlike Hades or Plutus, Pluto’s character transcended being merely feared or despised. Rather, he was a complex figure—depicted as a provider of riches from beneath the earth and a captivating figure capable of winning the love of Prosperina rather than relying solely on abduction.
Ultimately, while he reigned over a dark and ominous domain, the extent of his malevolence remains open to interpretation.
