ABSTRACT
IN discussing the third of the brothers, Hades (Aïdes), Aïdoneus or Pluton, it is well to remember that in Greek mythology and in their thought generally there is no figure corresponding to the Devil of Persian and later Jewish belief and of traditional Christian theology. Hades is grim and mournful in character and in functions, severely just, and inexorable in the carrying out of his, or Fate’s, decrees; his realm includes a place cf torment for the wicked; but he is no enemy of mankind, does not tempt to wickedness nor delight in it, is not opposed in nature to his more fortunate brothers, and can reward the good as well as punishing sinners. He is a terrible, not an evil god.
