Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The underworld in Greek mythology: In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Hades refers to the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the souls of the deceased reside.
   • The god of the underworld: Hades is also the name of the deity who rules this underworld. He is the brother of Zeus and Poseidon and the husband of Persephone.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Realm):

  • In the epic, the hero descended into Hades to speak with the spirit of a prophet.
  • Ancient Greeks believed that souls crossed a river to enter Hades.

• Proper noun (God):

  • Hades is often depicted with his three-headed dog, Cerberus.
  • The myth explains how Persephone became the queen of Hades.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in Hades": to be in a state of extreme suffering or a terrible place (used figuratively).
  • After the power outage in the heatwave, this city felt like Hades.
• "Hades of a...": (informal, euphemism for "hell of a") used for emphasis.
  • That was a Hades of a storm last night.

Variants and Related Words

• Chthonic (adj): relating to or inhabiting the underworld.
  • The Greeks made chthonic offerings to deities like Hades.
• Plutonian (adj): of or relating to the underworld or the god Pluto (the Roman equivalent of Hades).
  • The poet described a dark, Plutonian landscape.

Synonyms

• The underworld: the realm of the dead.
• The netherworld: the world of the dead.
• Pluto: the Roman name for the god Hades.

Related Phrases

• Gates of Hades: the entrance to the underworld.
  • The ancient site was thought to be one of the gates of Hades.
• Hound of Hades: refers to Cerberus, the guardian dog of the underworld.
  • Cerberus, the hound of Hades, prevented the dead from leaving.

Related Idioms

• Between here and Hades: anywhere and everywhere.
  • I've looked for my keys between here and Hades, but I can't find them.
• Hot as Hades: (informal) extremely hot.
  • Close the door; it's hot as Hades outside!

Noun

1. (religion) the world of the dead
   • No one goes to Hades with all his immense wealth-Theognis
2. (Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone