Hades, God of the underworld
Hades was one of Rhea and Cronus’s children. Hades, along with Zeus and Poseidon, fought together to defeat their father and over rule the Titans. Together, they ruled the three most important parts of the world. Zeus became god of the skies, Poseidon got to be god of the sea, and Hades got to rule over the underworld.
Mortal and immortal beings feared Hades, so he preferred to stay in the underworld (Hades). He loved collecting souls in the underworld and wouldn’t let them leave. It was very rare for a soul to leave the underworld. Hades’s dominion was separated from the rest of the world by five rivers: Styx, Lethe, Acheron, Phlegethon, and Cocytus (Hades). While in the underworld, Hades could be found sitting on a throne made of ebony, with a scepter in hand.
Hades is thought of as a guy with a beard and two-pronged pitch fork or scepter (Greek). On his head, lays either a helmet or crown. The helmet can turn the wearer invisible. Cerberus, a three headed dog, can be seen lying at the feet of Hades (Greek). He was described as stern and unyielding. Some sources call Hades the god of the Earth’s fertility (Hades).
Hades was married to his cousin, Persephone. Persephone was the daughter of Demeter and their story is quite interesting. He got through abduction and deception. Hades forced Persephone into the underworld and gave her the forbidden fruit pomegranate. This forced her to stay in the underworld forever. Demeter didn’t like this at all, so she fought for her daughter. She never gave up and this led to Hades getting Persephone for one third of each year (Hades). Hades wouldn’t let anyone take Persephone away from him and she was very protective over him. Together, they had two children: Melinoe and Zagreus.
Symbols: Cerberus, Drinking horn, scepter, Cypress, Narcissus, key.
“Greek Mythology.” Ducksters Educational Site, www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greece/hades.php.
“Hades • Facts and Information on Greek God Hades.” Greek Gods & Goddesses, greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/hades/.