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or Plouton. This is the same as in Christianity, where Satan is Lucifer, Devil or Old Nick.

Feared as he was, Hades was the least worshipped of all gods. There was nothing thought to sway him so there was point in worshipping him, though it should be noted the Secular Games, one hundred year cycle festivals, were held in his honour. Sometimes sacrifices were made for special occasions, and on these occasions black animals, especially sheep were offered.

The modern image of Hades is linked to Satan, and is therefore often perceived as evil'. Often seen as a grim figure, his role in death was a passive one where he kept the balance of the afterlife. In art Hades is depicted in much the same way as his brothers, dark-bearded and regal.

In the Underworld, Hades would sit on an ebony throne with a sceptre in one hand. Hades weapon of choice was his two-pronged fork, which he would use when travelling on his black chariot. His chariot was drawn by four coal-black horses. His other symbols were the Keys to the Underworld, the Cornucopia and the narcissus and cypress plants. His most famous attribute though was his three-headed watchdog, Cerberus.

Unlike the other Olympian gods, Hades spent most of his time in his domain. He forbade any of his subjects to leave, and his anger would be aroused by any attempts to leave. His anger was equally harsh when anyone tried to cheat death or to trick him. The only living people who travelled into the Underworld were all heroes, either attempting rescues or seeking information. Even then there was only a handful who ventured in; Heracles, Odysseus, Aeneas, Orpheus, Theseus, Pirithous and Psyche.

Theseus and Pirithous travelled into Hades' domain in order to abduct Persephone and make her Pirithous' wife. Hades though realised their true aim, and as he was offering them a feast, he ensnared the pair. The stone they sat on entombed them as snakes coiled around their feet. Theseus was eventually released by Heracles, although Pirithous was left for all eternity.

Heracles entered the Underworld in order to complete his final labour. Heracles was required to capture Cerberus. Finding the entrance at Tanaerum, Heracles received help from the Athena and Hermes to make his way though the Underworld. Heracles asked Hades for permission to take his watchdog. Hades agreed as long as no harm came to Cerberus.

Hades was known to have shown mercy only once. The music of Orpheus was so good that Hades agreed to return Orpheus' wife, Eurydice, back to the surface world. There was but one condition, Orpheus had to walk ahead of his wife and not look back until they had reached the surface. Orpheus though feared that Hades had given him the wrong soul, he therefore looked back and lost Eurydice until his own death.

Hades thus ruled his domain, and the underworld became known after its ruler. A feared god, but a fair one. Hades provided a balance to the afterlife, but in life he was also known to provide the hidden wealth of the earth.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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