God of the dead, ruler of the Underworld. which was accordingly known as Hades. In various adventures, Hades abducted the maiden Persephone, tricked the heroes Theseus and Peirithous, and managed to get himself handcuffed by Sisyphus.
The God Hades was a dread figure to the living, who were quite careful how they swore oaths in his name. To many people, simply to utter the word "Hades" was a frightening proposition. So they made up an euphemism, a word that meant the same thing but with a more pleasant sound.
Since all precious minerals came from under the earth, (the dwelling place of Hades) and since the god was wealthy indeed when it came to the number of subjects in his kingdom of the dead, he was referred to as "Ploutos", wealth. This accounts for the name given him by the Romans, who called Zeus "Jupiter" Ares "Mars, Hermes "Mercury" and Hades "Pluto".
Realm of the dead, either underground or in the far West of the world known to the early Greeks-or both. Named for the god Hades, it's ruler
As is not surprising, the ancient Greeks did not know what to expect after death. Notions of the afterlife were various and conflicting. Some though that great heroes lucked out by travelling to the Elysian Fields, where they could hunt and feast and socialize in pleasant company for eternity, while commoners were consigned to a lifeless and boring abode in the Fields of Asphodel. First they'd drink the waters of Lethe, which caused them to lose all memory of their former lives and thus lack anything to talk about.
In its earlier depictions, the underworld kingdom of Hades was such a dank and dark and moldering place that were it laid open to the Heavens, the gods themselves would turn away in disgust.
Hades is the brother of Zeus. After the overthrow of their Father Cronus, he drew lots with Zeus and Poseidon, another brother, for shares of the world. He had the worst draw, and was made lord of the underworld, ruling over the dead. He is a greedy god who is greatly concerned with increasing his subjects. Those whose calling increase the number of dead are seen favourably. The Erinyes are welcomed guests. He is exceedingly disinclined to allow any of his subjects to leave.
He is also the god of wealth, due to the precious metals mined from the earth. He has a helmet that makes him invisible. He rarely leaves the underworld. He is unpitying and terrible, but not capricious. His wife is Persephone whom Hades abducted. He is King of the dead but, death itself is another god, Thanatos.
