Who is the god of the underworld and the dead in Greek mythology?

Hades.

In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld and the ruler of the dead. As one of the three major Olympian gods, Hades is the brother of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Poseidon, the god of the sea. After the Titans were overthrown, the three brothers divided the realms of the cosmos among themselves, with Hades receiving dominion over the underworld.

Hades’ kingdom, often referred to simply as “Hades,” was a shadowy realm where the souls of the deceased would reside. This realm was distinct from the concept of hell in later religious traditions, as it was not a place of eternal punishment for all but rather the general destination for the dead. The underworld was divided into various regions, including the Elysian Fields (for the blessed and heroic), the Asphodel Meadows (for ordinary souls), and Tartarus (for those who committed great sins or affronts to the gods).

Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not considered an evil deity. He was seen as stern but just, ensuring that the natural order of life and death was maintained. Hades was also associated with wealth, as many valuable minerals and gems were found underground, earning him the epithet “Plouton” (the wealthy one).

Hades is perhaps best known for his myth involving Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, whom he abducted to be his wife. This story is central to Greek mythology, explaining the changing of the seasons as Persephone spends part of the year in the underworld and part on Earth. Hades’ role in Greek mythology is a complex blend of dread, respect, and inevitability, reflecting humanity’s views on death and the afterlife.