If you believe the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who lived in the VIII century BC, then the god of the underworld of Pluto had, as they say, a difficult childhood. Immediately after birth, he was eaten by his own dad - the god of the time Kronos. This is not to say that he was a very inveterate villain and did not like children, no, it was just predicted to him that one of his sons, born from the legal wife of Rhea, would one day overthrow him and sit on his reign. So he took reasonable, in his opinion, measures.
God brothers share the world
How Pluto was again able to be in this world is hard to say. Agree, because not everyone happens to visit not only the mother’s womb, but also the father’s. However, everything ended happily, and, having reached adulthood, he, along with his siblings - Zeus and Poseidon, took part in the division of the world. By the way, in childhood, the god Pluto bore the name Hades, and received his real name only in the V century.
This section was preceded by a fierce struggle with other contenders for world domination - six titan brothers and six titanid sisters. So Pluto and his brothers had to fight with superior enemy forces. But they won, and as a result, everyone received his share of the universe. Pluto Hades inherited the underworld, but it is the kingdom of the dead. He was a very hospitable host, and there was no case that he refused to let anyone into his possessions. That's just no one returned from him.
God of fertility and underground wealth
But not everything is so gloomy and sad. The god Pluto in Greek, and later in Roman mythology, is also the god of underground wealth and fertility. It is in his possession that countless placers of precious stones and metals are placed, and everything that decorates our tables grows from the bowels of the earth. These riches had to be guarded, and Pluto was personally engaged in this, not trusting anyone in such a responsible matter, for which he received honor, respect, and sacrifice in the form of black bulls from the ancient Greeks .
Forced (and not only) absenteeism of Pluto
However, sometimes Pluto - the god of the underworld - left his domain and rose to the surface of the earth. But I must say, he didn’t please anyone with his appearance, the way he did it for the sole purpose of captivating another victim to his estate. The only exceptions were his “inspection” sorties - checks to see if there was a random crack somewhere in the ground through which a ray of light could penetrate into the dungeon. The owner really did not like such liberties. True, evil tongues even then claimed that Pluto, in secret from his wife Persifona, had some hobbies on the surface of the earth. Well, it’s not our business - we won’t gossip.
The god Pluto usually traveled unusually spectacularly. Rushing on four black horses harnessed to a chariot. He ruled standing at his full height and holding the reins in one hand, and in the other - a two-prong, which hit any obstacle that arose on the way. By the way, he abducted his lawful wife and brought during one such trip. Somewhere Persephone gaped (or pretended) - and instantly found herself in the underworld. But, we must give him his due, legalized relations and made her the queen of fertility.
Underground kingdom
Ancient Greek poets describe the kingdom of God of Pluto very poetically. We learn from them that the famous river of the dead Styx flows through it, through which old Charon transfers the souls of the dead on a boat, and from there originates a spring called Leta, which, going to the surface of the earth, immerses all life into oblivion. In this kingdom, into which not a single ray of light penetrates, the gloomy fields of Hades are always covered with wild tulips, and the souls of the dead rush over them with a sad rustle. Their moans are like the cry of an autumn wind.
The terrible inhabitant of the underworld - the three-headed dog Cerberus - protects the kingdom of the god Pluto. His appearance is terrible. Snakes wriggle around the monster’s neck with a hiss, and toothy mouths are ready to devour anyone who violates the dungeon. He lets everyone in, but has not yet released one from this world, where there is neither joy nor sorrow.
Underworld Society
According to the testimony of all the same poets who saw everything so well in a kingdom where there is not a single ray of light, society there is quite large. In the center, on the golden throne, are the god Pluto and his wife Persephone, and at the foot of the judges are Minos and Radamant. Over the heads of the seated soars, spreading its black wings, the death god Tanat. In his hands is a blasting sword, and next to it are his inseparable companions of Kera, gloomy virgins, spirits of death.
Here, as a servant, the goddess of vengeance Erinia, and next to them - a young handsome man with a handful of poppy heads in his hands. This young god is called Hypnos. He knows how to make a drink from poppy, from which both people and gods are cast into sleep. However, you will not be surprised at this. The three-headed goddess Rekasha complements society with her unchanged companions - ghosts and monsters. She also sometimes rises to the surface of the earth and, walking at night, sends people terrible dreams.
Immortal gods of Olympus
Centuries passed, the ancient Greek Hades was replaced by the Roman god Pluto. Over time, he sunk into oblivion, and paganism gave way to true faith. But the legends about the ancient inhabitants of Olympus, as immortal as the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, to the noise of which they were born, still fascinate our ears.