Facts About Hades , Keeper of the Underworld

Whenever you mention anything that has to do with the Underworld, it is Hades you must also mention. Since the brother of Zeus and Poseidon lived under the world, he was not often considered one of the 12 infamous Olympians. In this article, you will learn more about the god who is involved in the infamous kidnapping said to have created the winter season.

Hades is not only known for ruling over the Underworld, but for also kidnapping the beautiful Persephone , the daughter of Demeter (the goddess of agriculture). In her daughter’s absence, Demeter was so saddened that she refused to allow anything to grow. Zeus intervened and made Hades return Persephone to her mother, but before she left, he tricked her by making her eat fruit that would bound her to the Underworld forever. Because of this, Persephone must return to Hades for 1/3 of the year, in which time , the earth would experience a period of dormant growing in nature.  

Artistic Depictions

Hades was often represented as a bearded man with lots of energy for his age. In his hand, he was often shown with a scepter or the Horn of Plenty. Some paintings recreate the kidnapping of Persephone, where Hades opened the earth and abducted Persephone by pulling through a gap in the ground. He was also seen wearing a sacred helmet, which he used to stay invisible.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Hades was rich in the wealthy components of the earth, such as precious metals. He is full of persistence and possesses a strong determination. However, he was so passionate for Persephone, that he resorted to impulsive, deceptive measures to keep the bride Zeus promised to him in the Underworld.  

Family Ties

Hades was born to Rhea (the Great Mother) and Kronos (also known as Father Time) on the island of Crete, alongside his brothers Zeus (King of the Gods) and Poseidon (god of the sea). His other siblings were Demeter (goddess of agriculture), Hestia (goddess of the home), and Hera (Queen of the Gods).

Animal Associations

In the Underworld, Hades had a beat named Cerberus , a dog with three heads. Hounds and black horses were also associated with the god.

Temple Site

Nekromanteion, which is located on the River Styx, is found along the west coast of mainland Greece and is still a place you can encounter to this day.

A Gloomy Character

As the Greek god of the dead, Hades almost never left his kingdom of the Underworld. He was constantly surrounded by darkness and silence. However, he did have a helper. Charos was the angel of dead and had the responsibility of transferring the souls of the dead using a boat that traveled over the River Acheron. He made the trip from the world of the living to the Underworld.