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Definition. Hades was both the name of the ancient Greek god of the underworld (Roman name: Pluto) and the name of the shadowy place below the earth which was considered the final destination for the souls of the dead. Perhaps the most feared of the gods, he is described by both Homer and Hesiod as 'pitiless', 'loathsome', and 'monstrous' Hades.
- Mark Cartwright
- Publishing Director
Hades, in ancient Greek religion, god of the underworld. Hades was a son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, and brother of the deities Zeus, Poseidon, Demeter, Hera, and Hestia. underworld of Greek mythology An 18th-century engraving depicting the underworld of Greek mythology, showing (foreground) Charon, the ferryman, in his boat; (bottom left ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Hades (/ ˈ h eɪ d iː z /; ‹See Tfd› Greek: ᾍδης, translit. Hā́idēs , Attic Greek : [háːi̯dεːs] , later [háːdεːs] ), in the ancient Greek religion and mythology , is the god of the dead and the king of the underworld , with which his name became synonymous. [ 2 ]
May 26, 2022 · A comprehensive Greek Mythology Timeline covering pivotal episodes across five major ages. From the Creation Age with Gaia and Uranus, through the Titanomachy and leader Zeus, to the Silver Age's mortal emergence. Highlights include dramatic tales like the Trojan War and Pandora’s box, showcasing the intricate interp...
- Hades’ Role
- Hades' Biography
- Hades' Wife
- Hades in The Bible
- Hades: Myths and Hidden Truths
- Hades: Unveiling The Enigmatic God of The Underworld
- Hades Sources
Hades' Name
Hades means “The Unseen One” – a suitable name since Hades is the ruler of the invisible world. However, the Ancient Greeks rarely used this name – just like Christians rarely used the word “Hell” during the Middle Ages. So, since minerals and precious metals are found underground, they often referred to Hades euphemistically as Plouton – namely, “The Wealth-Giver.” Unsurprisingly, Hades’ Roman equivalent is called Plutoas well.
Hades' Portrayal and Symbolism
As the ruler of the dead, Hades was a grim and ghastly figure, inspiring awe and terror in everybody. Consequently, he was rarely depicted in art. When he was, he was most commonly portrayed with a beard, and a solemn, mournful look. He frequently wears a helmet, named the Helm of Darkness or the Cap of Invisibility. Cerberus, the three-headed dog which guarded the entrance to the Underworld, is usually beside him. Every so often he carries a scepter or holds the key to his kingdom. At a late...
Hades' Epithets
Among the Ancient Greeks, Hades was known as “the Other Zeus.” Homer even calls him “The Infernal Zeus,” in addition to “the grisly God.” He was also called “the host of many” or “the Attractor of Man” – since all men eventually went to serve him.
Hades' Birth
Hades was the fourth child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea (after Hestia, Demeter, and Hera), both the oldest and the youngest male sibling. In other words, he was the first of the three brothers (Hades, Poseidon, Zeus) to be born and swallowed by his father, but the last one to be regurgitated.
Titanomachy and Hades
After being rescued by Zeus from the belly of Cronus, Hades joins him in the Titanomachy. Eventually, the decade-long war ends with a victory for the Olympians. Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus cast lots to decide who of the brothers will rule which domain. Hades gets the underworld.
Since Hades was a fearsome deity who rarely left his kingdom, there are very few mythsabout him in Ancient Greek sources.
As the realm of the dead, Hades is mentioned ten times in the “New Testament” in its original Greek text. Older translations – such as the King James Bible – invariably translate it as “hell.”
While Hades is often depicted as a ruthless, cold-hearted ruler, his character is more complex and often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, Hades was not the embodiment of evil or the judge of the dead; rather, he was a strict but fair ruler, ensuring that the souls who entered his domain were treated according to their deeds in life.
As we delve into the enigmatic world of Hades, the Ancient Greek god of the Underworld, we find ourselves drawn to the dark, mysterious, and often misunderstood figure. Ruler of the invisible realm where souls reside after death, Hades has long been a symbol of the unknown and the unseen. The compelling myth of his abduction of Persephone, with its...
Read the story of the abduction of Persephone as the Ancient Greeks did: it’s fully recounted in the “Homeric Hymn to Demeter.” See Also: Demeter, Persephone, Styx, Macaria
Jul 26, 2023 · Pandora’s Box. Zeus created Pandora, the first woman, who inadvertently released the world’s misfortunes from a box. 8. Age of Heroes and Demigods. This era saw the lives of heroes like Hercules, Theseus, Perseus, and Jason. 9. Trojan War. The most famous of Greek myths, the Trojan War was fought over Helen.
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May 9, 2024 · The marriage of Persephone and Hades is a cornerstone in Greek myth, reflecting deep narratives of life, death, and rebirth. Persephone, known as the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, initially lived a life marked by the vibrancy of spring. This dramatically changed when Hades, ruler of the underworld, captivated by her beauty, abducted her to his ...
