Hades has taken the myth of the Olympic gods and turned it on its head. The game is a true delight for fans of RPGs with a twist that also incorporates mythology in a way that isn't boring. These gods and goddesses you see in Hades aren't the colorful and cheerful ones you may recall from Disney's Hercules.
This dungeon crawler tasks you with escaping the underworld and the clutches of your father, Hades. You play as Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld. Along the way, you will also encounter the different takes on well-known and some not-so-well-known gods and goddesses who can help you by granting you "boons." Others will be trying to stop your escape to Mount Olympus. It's a true treat for the eyes and mind and makes it worthwhile to check out.
Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: He is the Prince of the Underworld and the main protagonist of the game. Before beginning the game, Zagreus decides he doesn't agree with his father Hades and vows to escape from the Underworld no matter how many times it takes him. Nyx and his mentor Achilles both aid and encourage him throughout his treacherous journey. Though he was raised by Nyx, he is the son of Persephone. He is truly the opposite of his father, being quite friendly towards all those he meets.
Mythology: Zagreus has conflicting origins in Mythology. Some say he is the son of Zeus and Persephone, while others say he is Hades' son. He is also identified as a god that is worshipped by followers of Orphism. Zagreus in that legend is said to have been the first "Dionysus" — the son of Zeus who was actually torn apart by the Titans and reborn again.
Hades, God Of The Dead
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Hades in the game is much like his Mythological counterpart, residing over the Underworld and being a strict father to Zagreus. The in-game codex entry describes him as "a god of character," that takes all matters relating to the Underworld extremely seriously. It also describes Hades as someone who truly has no love for his family on Mount Olympus nor his son.
He is also described as leading a solitary life, following his decision to sever all ties with his Olympian relatives. It is thought that, because of that choice, his relationship with his son Zagreus is not the best, which is evident when his son continues to try and escape the Underworld.
Mythology: He is the god of the underworld, riches, darkness, and metals. Mostly known for being King of the Underworld, he rules over the place where all souls go to rest according to Greek Mythology. He is the son of Kronos and Rhea and the oldest male among his siblings. His brothers are Zeus and Poseidon, and his sisters are Demeter, Hera, and Hestia, who are all older than him.
When he was born, he and his other siblings were swallowed by Kronos, who feared that his children would become more powerful than him. Zeus eventually freed them all. Following ending the ten-year war known as "Titanomachy," Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon divided the world into three areas to rule over the seas (Poseidon), the sky (Zeus), and the Underworld (Hades). Hades also eventually married/kidnapped his wife Persephone, daughter of his sister Demeter.
Charon, Stygian Boatman
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: While Charon still functions as the ferryman, similar to his Mythological origins, he is really the in-game shopkeeper. He will sell Zagreus helpful boons to aid in his escape, powerups, and other helpful items.
His wares are not cheap, however. His in-game codex entry mentions he is a man of few words, and it's also speculated he has his own agenda that differs from Hades.
Mythology: Charon is Hades' ferryman who ferries the souls of recently deceased individuals across the river Styx. That river is said to be the divider between the land of the living and the land of the dead.
In Ancient Greece, many would bury their loved ones with a coin in their mouth to pay the ferryman for their voyage into the Underworld. If a soul does not have the payment, they might be left to wander the banks of the Styx for 100 years. He is the son of Nyx and brother to Hypnos and Thanatos.
Megaera, First of the Furies
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Megaera is one of the three Fury sisters sent by Hades to stop Zagreus from escaping. You have to defeat her (or one of her sisters) to continue your escape attempt. She is also in charge of handling issues that arise in Tartarus, such as being an obstacle to Zagreus. Her sisters are apparently dealing with a war that has broken out between the mortals which often leaves her alone to deal with Underworld issues.
Megaera is considered the fiercest of her sisters who enjoys the "grim work," and her weapon of choice — a whip — is well known in the Underworld. It is also hinted that she and Zagreus have a history together, and you can choose to pursue a romantic relationship with her or keep on as friends.
Mythology: According to legend, Megaera is one of the Furies, also known as "personified curses." She and the other two furies, Tisiphone and Alecto, reside in the Underworld and ascend to Earth to pursue wicked ones.
Other texts speak of the furies as being born from ghosts that were murdered. There are many conflicting reports about their origins.
Alecto, Tormentor of Passions
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Alecto, like her Fury sisters Megaera and Tisiphone, is another boss Zagreus can encounter. She seems to take the most pleasure in carrying out her duty to punish the mortals who give into their impulsiveness and commit wrongful acts. Her barbed whip is infamous in the Underworld as well as the mortal world. Alecto does not seem to be on the best of terms with her sisters and because of past insubordination, she, too, is not allowed in the House of Hades.
Mythology: Alecto is one of the famed Furies, tasked with punishing mortals by driving them mad. She was ultimately responsible for punishing those who display great anger. It is said she had a hand in the Trojan war — her mission was to bring chaos to the Trojans and lead to their downfall.
Tisiphone, Tormentor of Murder
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Another Fury Sister who only appears in Tartarus following Megaera's defeat a few times, Tisiphone is thought to be mostly responsible for why the Furies are so widely feared both in the Underworld and in the Mortal world. She is extremely focused on her task of punishing murderers. Tisiphone is also not welcome in the House of Hades.
Mythology: Tisiphone is one of the three Furies in Greek Mythology who would aid her sisters in punishing mortals who commit crimes of parricide, fratricide, and homicide.
Some texts describe her as being the guardian of the Gates of Tartarus, and one myth tells of her falling in love with a mortal. When her love was not returned, she turned a piece of her hair into a deadly snake that bit and killed him.
Nyx, Night Incarnate
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Nyx serves mostly as a protector and caretaker of Zagreus, looking out for him and even helping him with his escape. She is known as "Mother Night" sometimes and is the mother of Hypnos, Thanatos, and Charon. Nyx also manages the House of Hades and will even counsel Megaera.
Mythology: Nyx is the Greek goddess of the night. She is said to be quite beautiful and so powerful — having been born out of Chaos — that even Zeus is afraid of her. It is also said she was there right at the beginning of the creation of the universe itself.
Chaos, Primordial Originator
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Chaos is the literal personification of the void, and brought forth Nyx and the Titans. Chaos assists Zagreus on his quest, offering boons that are far more powerful than those from the Olympian Gods, but they'll come with conditions.
Mythology: In Greek Mythology, Chaos is the birthplace of creation from which every living thing sprung forth. It was the state of the world before "the creation," often being described as the void between the sky and earth. Unlike the game, Chaos does not seem to be depicted as anything humanoid and rather is mostly just a dark abyss.
Thanatos, Death Incarnate
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Thanatos is Death personified and also the twin brother of Hypnos. Being the literal representation of death itself, he finds himself venturing up to the mortal realm quite often but dislikes it because of the brightness. He is another one of Zagreus' childhood friends and can also be romanced, should you choose.
Mythology: The Greek version of the Grim Reaper, Thanatos is considered to be a minor god compared to the other more famous ones. Texts reference him but he is often never seen in person. Thanatos is regarded by mortals as a god who is merciless and hated by both mortals and gods, both of whom he also hates in return.
Hypnos, Sleep Incarnate
Dominion: Cthonic
Game Lore: Hypnos serves as Hades' secretary in the Underworld, keeping track of each new soul that enters. He spends quite a good deal sleeping on the job, however, which seems fitting being the god of sleep. He also takes great pleasure in taunting Zagreus each time he fails to escape.
Mythology: Hypnos is the son of Nyx and brother of Thanatos, who is Death personified. Hypnos is considered sleep personified and known to be a gentle and kind God. He will help humans in need, which seems quite different from how he is portrayed in the game.
Zeus, King of the Olympians
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: God of the sky and thunder, as well as King of the Olympians, Zeus is more than willing to welcome Zagreus in with open arms. He even grants Zagreus helpful boons that can cause a great deal of damage to a group of enemies at once using lightning strikes or chain lightning attacks.
Mythology: Zeus is the youngest child of Cronus and Rhea. He is often regarded as the ruler of the heavens and all Olympian Gods. Zeus assigned roles to all the other gods. In many of the texts, he is married to Hera but would spend a great deal of time going down to earth to have affairs. Zeus's symbols that most recognize would be the thunderbolt, eagle, bull, and oak.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Athena, the goddess of wisdom, is most eager to help her cousin escape the Underworld and welcome him into Mount Olympus. Her boons boost your defenses and can also deflect attacks, which can come in very handy. She was in touch with Nyx about helping you escape, which sets the plot of the game into motion.
Mythology: Being the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicrafts, she is known for being the protector of many cities across Greece. Famously, the city Athens was named in her honor, and the Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens were both dedicated to her. The myths speak of her being born from the forehead of Zeus. It is also speculated she would lead men in battles.
Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, relishes being in the wilderness and makes it clear she is not like the other Olympian Gods. Her boons can boost your attack, often making them into critical hits, and she'll also grant Zagreus improved casting. She does not seem to care if the mortals praise her or not, making her the most down-to-earth god. Artemis is also extremely dedicated to her work.
Mythology: Known as the Greek goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, the moon, chastity, and wild animals, Artemis is often regarded as the protector of young girls. It's also believed that Artemis would relieve women from diseases. She is widely worshipped as one of the goddesses of childbirth and midwifery. Artemis never married and vowed to remain a maiden.
Dionysus, God of Wine
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: The god of wine and madness never seems to take things seriously. His boons are designed to slow down enemies and are drinking themed. It is also speculated that Dionysus has some mortal blood mixed in his veins, which is why he is so easygoing compared to his siblings. He is popular among the mortals, especially for bringing them more joy than other gods. Once his mortal followers have passed on to the Underworld, he severs all ties with them.
Mythology: Dionysus is the god of the grape harvest, winemaking, fertility, wine, orchards and fruit, vegetation, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity, and theatre in Ancient Greece. Those who partook in his parties found themselves letting go of things that may have prevented them from leading a more carefree life. One myth speculates he was born of Zeus and Persephone.
Demeter, Goddess of Seasons
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: The goddess of agriculture, sacred law, and the cycle of life and death is perplexed by Zagreus'
decision to leave the bitter darkness of the Underworld. Although confused, she decides to help aid him by granting him the ability to cast curses on his enemies. At one time, mortals worshiped her and prayed for her favor, but now they fear her and beg for mercy. She spends a great deal of time away from Olympus looking for something or someone.
Mythology: Regarded as the goddess of the harvest, agriculture, and fertility of the earth, Demeter also resided over the sacred law of the land as well as the cycle of life and death. When her daughter Persephone was kidnapped and ended up becoming Queen of the Underworld, the seasons that we come to know now stopped and all living things died as she searched for her daughter. Zeus, realizing the seriousness of the situation, tried to beg Hades to let her go but she had eaten food from the Underworld: six pomegranate seeds. That act bound her to the Underworld for about six months of the year, and the other six months, she was permitted to return to her mother. Due to this arrangement, we now have four seasons.
Poseidon, God of the Sea
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Poseidon comes off as the jovial god of the sea, greeting Zagreus by calling him "little Hades." He offers to stir things up to help cover Zagreus' advance through the Underworld. His boons grant the ability to cause knockback damage to enemies. Hades has no love for him nor Zeus, shunning both equally, even though they are brothers.
Mythology: The Greek god of the sea, storms earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon was granted dominion of the sea following the defeat of his father Kronus. Homer's Illiad mentions that Poseidon aided the Greeks against the Trojans during the Trojan war. If you get on his bad side, however, as Odysseus did in The Odyssey, he will show you the full force of his wrath. Atlantis is also said to be his domain.
Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Aphrodite seems willing to help Zagreus mostly because she finds him good-looking, which is fitting for the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It is said she wields her beauty as a weapon, similar to those who carry a spear or a whip. Some consider her the mightiest of all, having power over the heart, which can be easily broken but not easily mended.
Mythology: The beautiful greek goddess is commonly associated with love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. Aphrodite was born in Cyprus and this is depicted in the famous painting "Birth of Venus" (her name in Roman Mythology). She was also responsible for bringing Pandora into the world at the behest of Zeus to bring evil into the world.
Ares, God of War
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Ares seems quite impressed with Zagreus' fighting spirit. As the god of war, he focuses on the physical aspects of warfare, unlike Athena, who thinks strategically. Ares's boons increase damage over time. He is not loved by those who fall in battle, as he's the symbol of war and bloodshed. Despite the negative aspects of war, many mortals still worship him.
Mythology: He is the god of war and courage revered by Ancient Greeks who wanted to display the valor needed to be successful in battle. Ares was humiliated in front of the other gods when it was found out that he was having an affair with Aphrodite, who was married to Hephaestus. While his sister Athena represents strategic thinking in battle, Ares is the complete opposite, representing the brutal physical truth of war. He played a role in the founding of the city Thebes.
Hermes, God of Swiftness
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Hermes serves specifically as the messenger for all the gods as well as the god of commerce, trickery, travel, and guide of souls into the afterlife. He is considered to be a free-spirited god. His boons increase speed. He appears quite youthful in both spirit and appearance and could even be mistaken for a normal mortal if not for his speed. Hermes is also the only Olympian god to also serve the Underworld.
Mythology: Hermes in Greek Mythology is the god's herald and protector of human heralds, travelers, thieves, and merchants. He can move across vast distances in no time thanks to special winged sandals. His mission is to guide souls safely, following their passing. Hermes can also travel freely between the mortal and divine worlds.
*Spoiler Alert*
Persephone, Goddess of Verdure, Queen of the Underworld (formerly)
Dominion: Olympian
Game Lore: Persephone serves as the goddess of seasonal change and vegetation (primarily grain). She is Demeter's daughter and was also Hades' wife before leaving the Underworld for the surface. During her time as Queen of the Underworld, she was described as being a kind and stately lady. She is actually Zagreus' real birth mother, which is hinted at throughout the game but not confirmed until later on.
No one really knows why she left, but after she did, Hades banned any mention of her. Nyx will speak of her but tells Zagreus she did not die because she never reappeared in the Underworld via the River Styx. Hades will brush off Zagreus when he tries to pry him for information about his birth mother simply saying that she hated being called "Kore." She is Zagreus' true motive for wanting to escape from the Underworld. He realizes the truth after being told by Thanatos that he has his mother's eye (one red for Hades and one green for Persephone). Persephone, for years, believed Zagreus had died as he was born stillborn and then revived by the Fates. She is stunned to find out the truth but grateful to have the chance to know Zagreus and help restore the relationship between the Chthonic gods and the Olympians.
Mythology: Daughter of Demeter and the embodiment of spring, as well as vegetation personified, Persephone became Queen of the Underworld after she was abducted by Hades with permission from Zeus. Demeter, once she discovered this, began a search for her and the earth began to die as she forbade it to grow. The people began to cry out from starvation and Zeus made Hades return Persephone to the surface. Hades, however, tricks Persephone by tempting her with food from the Underworld — six Pomegranate seeds. Due to this, she is forced to spend half the year underground (fall/winter) and half the year with the gods (spring/summer). This is thought to be the origin of our four seasons.