Overview
This lecture covers Hades, the Greek god of the dead and king of the underworld, focusing on his myths, roles, symbolism, family, and major stories in Greek and Roman mythology.
Hades: Identity and Role
- Hades (Roman: Pluto/Dis) is the king of the underworld and god of the dead.
- He presided over funeral rites and the right to proper burial.
- Hades is associated with the hidden wealth of the earth, such as fertile soil and precious metals.
- He is one of three brothers, with Zeus ruling the sky and Poseidon the sea.
Major Myths and Stories
- Hades was swallowed by Kronos at birth, later freed by Zeus, and given the underworld after drawing lots.
- He abducted Persephone, leading to her living part of the year with him and part with Demeter.
- Hades was involved in the wars against the Titans and had a helmet of invisibility gifted by the Cyclopes.
- He played a key role in myths about Orpheus and Eurydice, Heracles and Cerberus, and the punishment of Sisyphus.
- Hades punished heroes like Pirithous (for trying to abduct Persephone) and took action against Asclepius for resurrecting the dead.
Family and Relationships
- Parents: Kronos (Cronus) and Rhea.
- Siblings: Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Demeter, Hestia.
- Wife: Persephone.
- Children (in some accounts): The Erinyes, Zagreus, Melinoe, Makaria.
- Lovers: Minthe (turned to mint) and Leuce (turned to white poplar).
Symbols, Worship, and Depiction
- Symbols include a bird-tipped sceptre, cornucopia, key, staff, and Cerberus the three-headed dog.
- Often depicted as a dark-bearded, majestic figure enthroned in the underworld.
- Worshipped with sacrifices of black sheep and rites performed with averted faces.
- Had temples in Elis, Pylos, Athens, Olympia, and other sites.
Hades in Judgement and Afterlife
- Hades ruled over the dead and the shades in his realm.
- Appointed judges of the dead: Minos, Rhadamanthys, and Aiakos.
- The dead were judged and sent to the Isles of the Blest or Tartaros based on their lives.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hades/Pluto/Dis — Greek/Roman god of the underworld and the dead.
- Persephone — Wife of Hades, queen of the underworld.
- Cerberus — Three-headed dog guarding the underworld’s gates.
- Helmet of Invisibility — Magical helmet given to Hades by the Cyclopes.
- Chthonic — Relating to the underworld or gods of the earth.
- Erinyes — The Furies, goddesses of vengeance, sometimes considered Hades' daughters.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review myths involving Hades' interactions with Persephone, Orpheus, Heracles, and Sisyphus.
- Study the roles of judges in the Greek afterlife.
- Memorize Hades’ key symbols and his division of the cosmos with Zeus and Poseidon.