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Jamie Siracusa
Period 1
HADES
Hades, the God of the underworld contributed an interesting spin into the concept of
Greek mythology. Hades was the son of Cronus and Rhea. Cronus and Rhea were the rulers
of the world in the golden age. Cronus and Rhea
produced many gods and goddesses on Mt. Olympia.
Although these gods were brothers and sisters they did
not all have the best relationships. For example; Hades
was the brother of Zeus and Poseidon. When Zeus
reined the heavens and Poseidon the seas, Hades was
left to take the underworld. Hades Himself was married
to Persephone. Persephone was abducted from earth by
Hades. Demeter who was Persephone’s mother never
wanted her daughter to live in the underworld. This is
why Hades captured her. He felt he needed
Companionship in the Underworld. (Schmidt) This
kidnapping seemed very bad on Hades part but
interestingly, Hades and Persephone’s relationship
created the seasons for the Greeks. When Persephone
comes back from the underworld, Demeter is happy and things being to grow making
spring. When she stays with Demeter the season goes to summer and the beginning of fall.
When Persephone returns to the underworld winter begins, symbolizing Demeter’s
sadness because nothing grows. (Funtrivia)
Hades was not only the god of the underworld but the god of death. They would
sometimes refer to hades as polydegmon. This meant the receiver of many guests. The
people who died on earth came to Hades Kingdom. Cerberus the three headed dog guarded
the entrance to the underworld and prevented anyone to go back to the world of living.
Although Hades kingdom was very strict and death was celebrated, Hades also had a gift
that would allow him to sometimes help others. Hades wore a Helmet on his head that
would make him invisible. He would sometimes lend it to legendary heroes, showing his
help and protection. (Storm)
Picture: (Ledbetter)-
Works Cited
Funtrivia. Fun Trivia: Hades. 1995-2006. Wednesday September 2011
<http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Humanities/Hades-9090.html>.
Ledbetter, Christopher S. Cerberus. Wilmington.
Schmidt, Joel. Hades: Greek and Roman Mythology . New York: McGraw-Hill, 1980.
Storm, Arthur Cotterell & Rachel. Hades: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology. London: Lorenz
Books, 1999.