Hades is often considered a good, even the most faithful, husband within the context of Greek Mythology, although the circumstances of his marriage to Persephone raise significant ethical concerns.
Here's a breakdown of why he's viewed both ways:
Arguments for Hades being a "good" husband (by mythological standards):
- Faithfulness: Unlike his brothers Zeus and Poseidon, who were notorious for their numerous affairs with both goddesses and mortals, there are very few accounts of Hades being unfaithful to Persephone. This relative faithfulness makes him stand out among the major male gods.
- Providing for Persephone: As queen of the Underworld, Persephone held considerable power and influence. Hades ensured her position and authority in their shared realm.
- Respect (to a degree): While the initial abduction was non-consensual, myths often depict Hades respecting Persephone's decisions after the initial conflict. For example, he eventually allowed her to spend part of the year with her mother Demeter, acknowledging Demeter's grief and influence.
- Consistency: While he wasn’t overtly affectionate, Hades maintained a consistent demeanor toward Persephone. He didn’t subject her to the volatile moods and betrayals characteristic of other mythological marriages.
Arguments against Hades being a "good" husband:
- The Abduction: The most significant issue is the manner in which Hades acquired Persephone as his wife. He abducted her without her consent, a violent and traumatic act that immediately negates any potential for a healthy marriage founded on mutual respect and love.
- Persephone's Imprisonment: Though Persephone eventually came to terms with her role, she was initially forced to reside in the Underworld against her will. This casts a long shadow over their relationship, raising questions about her agency and happiness. She ate pomegranate seeds which bound her to him forever.
- Asymmetry of Power: Hades was the King of the Underworld and a powerful god. Persephone, initially a young goddess of spring, was significantly less powerful. This inherent power imbalance makes it difficult to view their relationship as an equal partnership.
Ultimately, whether Hades was a "good" husband depends on one's interpretation of "good" and the acceptance of the ethical standards prevalent in Greek Mythology. By the standards of the gods, his faithfulness was noteworthy. However, from a modern ethical perspective, the non-consensual beginning of their relationship renders him a problematic figure.
