Hades In Greek Mythology

Greek mythology originates from Ancient Greece (2000 B.C) created as a way for their scientifically undeveloped civilization to explain their surroundings and fathom mysteries such as the creation of the world, while incorporating their morals and beliefs to teach lessons on human behaviour. These myths involve titans, nymphs, monsters and gods contrasting different vices and virtues, becoming the pillars of our religious speculations and of our moral standards in our western culture. The primitive versions of these stories, traveled by word of mouth during the time era; nevertheless, as society evolves, these tales were transcribed by Epic Poets such as Homer, creator of the first recorded version of the myths titled “Iliad and Odyssey”.

Hades is first of all, implacable, utilizing violence, fueled by his vengeful nature, to assure nothing is taken of him. It is said that “Hades complains to his brother Zeus that Asclepius is robbing him. Zeus stands on Olympus, hurls a thunderbolt, and kills the young physician together with the patient he is tending” (41). It can be interpreted that Hades has Asclepius killed for resurrecting several patients from the underworld, depicted as a form of robbery to the ruler of the underworld, resulting in him feeling defied and cheated. This emanates that Hades does not take lightly on thievery, enforcing extreme and malevolent punishments for those who dare mock his authority, taking vengeance upon them. The underworld is complementary to his intense personality as a result of the fire and flames present within his setting (center of the earth), being a portrayal of his flaming fury and rage. Subsequently, Hades loathes change, keeping order by virtue of his consistency, having no tolerance nor leniency. It explained in the myth that, Orpheus enters Tartarus in search of his dead wife and she is given a second chance if he can escort her back to the surface without glancing back at her. Upon returning to the surface, he looks back at her and she turns to smoke (Orpheus). This displays Hades’ stubbornness as he enforces promised torment to Orpheus, who has disobeyed his rules, attempting at escaping death. Hades is firm on this rule, and it can be implied that the entire agreement was simply a plot, torturing Orpheus with a false sense of hope for the return of his spouse, a punishment for intruding in Tartarus. This is portrayed in Hades’ domain as the cycle of life continues without exception or change as a result of his dense behaviour, despising change. Furthermore, Hades is sadistic, a quality shown by his cruelty and