Hades is not an outright villain, but a complex figure in mythology.
Understanding Hades' Role
While often depicted as the ruler of the underworld, Hades' role isn't about actively causing evil in the mortal realm. Instead, he maintains order and balance in the realm of the dead. He ensures the dead stay in the underworld, and does not, himself, cause the deaths of mortals.
Key Aspects of Hades' Character:
- Ruler of the Underworld: He presides over the dead, a job that is neither inherently good nor bad. It's an important role to keep the cosmos in balance.
- Not a Torturer (Usually): Unlike some portrayals, Hades is not typically the one actively torturing souls. This is often the role of other entities within the underworld.
- Passive Observer: He generally observes the events that occur both on earth and in the underworld, only intervening when his domain is directly affected.
The Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice highlights a key aspect of Hades. He is the central figure within the story, but not an outright antagonist. While he does not want to let Eurydice leave the underworld and rejoin the living, he also ultimately permits her release, which shows both a capacity for reason and a strict adherence to the rules, although it does end in tragedy due to Orpheus's failure to follow the terms of her release from the underworld. This act places him more as a stern judge than an evil villain.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hades' Role | Central figure, but not an outright villain. |
| Action in Myth | Permits Eurydice's release under conditions. |
| Result | Orpheus's failure leads to Eurydice returning to the Underworld. |
| Conclusion | Hades maintains order and his word, even if the outcome is tragic. |
Conclusion
Hades is not a "bad guy" in the classical sense, but rather a powerful figure of the underworld, a realm that can be considered neither good nor evil, but rather a natural part of existence. His actions are often related to his duty and maintaining the order of the universe, not from a desire for malevolence.
