Hades, in ancient Greek mythology, is the god of the underworld, presiding over the realm of the dead. Often depicted as a stern and enigmatic figure, Hades personifies the inevitability of death and the afterlife. He is the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, and together they divided the cosmos, with Hades taking dominion over the underworld, Zeus ruling the sky, and Poseidon governing the sea.
Hades is frequently associated with wealth, as the underworld is thought to contain vast treasures, particularly in the form of minerals and precious stones. He is not the malevolent figure often portrayed in popular culture; rather, he fulfills a necessary role in the balance of life and death, ensuring that the souls of the deceased find their place in the afterlife.
The underworld itself, sometimes referred to as "Hades," is depicted as a complex and multi-layered realm, featuring areas like the Elysian Fields—where the virtuous reside—and Tartarus, a deep abyss for the wicked. Hades is often accompanied by his faithful three-headed dog, Cerberus, who guards the gates of the underworld and prevents the dead from leaving.
In art and literature, Hades is depicted with a dark, regal demeanor, often crowned with a wreath or holding a scepter, symbolizing his authority over the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades is not necessarily seen as evil; instead, he embodies the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth, emphasizing the importance of honoring the dead and recognizing the inevitability of mortality.