Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld (also known as Hades in Greek mythology), was one of three brothers and two sisters born to Saturn, the god of time, and Ops, the goddess of fertility and abundance. Following Saturn’s death and the downfall of the Titans, Pluto and his brothers divided their father’s dominions. While Jupiter took control of the sky and Neptune ruled the seas, Pluto became the lord of the underworld. Contrary to popular belief, the Roman underworld was not viewed as dreadful. The Romans recognized that many valuable resources, such as gold, silver, and nourishing crops, originated from below the earth, making Pluto’s realm far less ominous than it seemed. It is said that Pluto resided in a grand palace positioned at the entrance of the Elysian Fields, although it was somewhat dark due to its underground location.
Weapons of Warfare
During the conflict with the Titans, the Cyclopes bestowed powerful tools upon the three brothers to assist them in battle. Jupiter received the might of thunder and lightning, Neptune was granted a formidable trident, whereas Pluto was given a Helmet of Invisibility. This helmet was designed to make its wearer invisible to any adversaries, but it also had the added capability of disguising the true essence of the wearer, allowing for deception. Many deities sought Pluto’s helmet to fulfill their own missions, yet he remained the primary wielder of this significant item. In addition to the helmet, Pluto was frequently envisioned in an ebony chariot pulled by four dark horses. As the wielder of the underworld, he also possessed the keys to the gates that ensured the dead souls remained in his domain. His three-headed canine guardian, Cerberus, stood vigil at the entrance, ensuring that none could escape after their admission into the underworld.
Pluto’s Responsibilities
Pluto’s primary task as the God of the Underworld was to welcome the souls of the departed after they were ferried across the River Styx. Once there, he would bind them in chains and guide them to their judgment. After the evaluation of their earthly lives, Pluto escorted them to their eternal abodes within the underworld. Those deemed virtuous were granted eternal life in the blissful Elysian Fields, while the wicked faced an eternity in Tartarus, a place of profound suffering. To ensure fair treatment of the souls of their beloved departed, the Romans paid homage to Pluto with annual sacrifices, offering black bulls, sheep, or pigs during nocturnal ceremonies. The blood from these offerings was drained into a pit, symbolically connecting them with Pluto below. Cypress wood was often burned in funerals as it was revered as sacred to Pluto.
An Unexpected Romance
In time, Pluto realized the necessity of a companion to share his rule and produce an heir. However, due to his pale and austere appearance from residing in the underworld, goddesses were reluctant to marry him and dwell in his dimming domain. One day, while on one of his journeys to the surface world, he was inadvertently struck by Cupid’s arrow and instantly became enamored with the goddess Proserpine, who was playing by a river with her companions. In a moment of passion, he seized Proserpine and, in his chariot, descended through a passage in the river Chemarus into his shadowy kingdom. Although she was initially abducted against her will, Proserpine eventually came to love Pluto, and unlike many other deities, he remained devoted to her.
The Quest for the Lost
Pluto and Proserpine’s realm was occasionally visited by the living, often those seeking to reconnect with lost souls. One such visitor was Orpheus, famed for his enchanting music that could even delight trees. He sought to retrieve his beloved wife, Euridice, and through his melodies hoped to persuade Pluto and Proserpine to grant him her soul. Despite their empathy for his heart-wrenching request, they could not permit him to take her back. Another notable visitor was Odysseus, who sought the wisdom of the seer Teiresias for guidance on his arduous journey. Protesilaus, a heroic soul slain during the Titan battles, also approached Pluto. He longed to reunite with his young wife. Feeling compassion due to his love for Proserpine, Pluto assured him they would be together again in death. Moved by Protesilaus’s plea, Proserpine coaxed Pluto into granting the couple one final day together.
