A-Z: General definitions: Hades

Definition

Hades was the god of the Underworld, which is often (although strictly incorrectly) referred to by the same name. The dead could only enter the Underworld proper by being ferried across the River Styx in a leaky boat steered by Charon. An obol, a small coin, was placed on the lips of a corpse in order to pay the ferryman. Those who were not properly buried were not permitted to cross the Styx and were condemned to wait for eternity on its bank. A Greek word for the world of the dead, where they await final judgement.

Related Topics

Underworld; Persephone

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