Hades / Haides / Pluto
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Hades is generally depicted as being mirthless, pitiless, morbid, and morose. It was for this reason that there were no cults dedicated to him - no prayers, sacrifices, or pleas would move him or get him to change. He was not the personification of death (Thanatos), but he was responsible for ruling over the shades of the dead - a thankless task, perhaps resulting in his generally unpleasant demeanor.
In art he is usually shown with the beard that one sees on Zeus and Poseidon, but with a sterner look and hair coming down over his forehead. He is also frequently portrayed wearing a special helmet made for him by the Cyclopes for the war against the Titans - anyone with it on would become invisible.
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