Hades (God)
godHades was the lord of the underworld who received the dead — feared but not evil, wealthy from earth's minerals, and far more just than his brothers.
The Myth
When the Olympians divided the cosmos, Hades received the underworld. He ruled it justly but relentlessly — death was universal and Hades turned no one away. He rarely left his realm. His most famous act was abducting Persephone, whom he genuinely loved. His cap of invisibility (used by Perseus and Athena) was his signature artifact. The Greeks avoided saying his name, calling him Plouton ("the wealthy one") instead. He was not Satan — he was simply the necessary custodian of the dead.
Children
Zagreus, Melinoe (by Persephone, in Orphic tradition)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Hades was the wealthiest god — all the minerals and gems in the earth belonged to him. "Plutocracy" (rule by the wealthy) comes from his alternate name Plouton.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Athena
godGoddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, born fully armored from the head of Zeus. Patron deity of...
Hades
godRuler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not evil —...
Kronos
titanKing of the Titans who ruled during the mythological Golden Age. Kronos overthrew his father...
Olympia
placeOlympia was the sanctuary in the Peloponnese where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four...
Persephone
godDaughter of Demeter and queen of the underworld. Her annual return from Hades brings spring; her...
Perseus
heroThe legendary hero who slew the Gorgon Medusa and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster. Perseus...