Hades

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Hades (also rendered Haides or Hadis) 45
Alias(es)	King of the Underworld; Lord of Many Guests 45
Species/Race	God / Machine God 52
Gender	Male
Affiliation	The Underworld
Occupation/Role	Ruler of death, the dead, and the Underworld 45
First Appearance	Chapter 44 44

Background

Hades is the eldest brother of Zeus and Poseidon, assigned to preside over the Underworld while Zeus rules the sky and Poseidon the sea. The burden of permanently governing a desolate realm leaves him isolated from both gods and humanity. Though he protects human souls, he receives little worship or affection in return. 45 52

Unlike his stern reputation, Hades values humanity and is capable of mercy. He is a devoted admirer of Orpheus's music and once allowed Eurydice to return to life on the condition that Orpheus not look back before leaving the Underworld. 42

Appearance

Hades presents himself as an elegant, severe god whose appearance reflects his dominion over death.

• Short black hair and a flawless, pale face. 45
• A long black robe, branch-like markings across his forehead, and ornate earrings. 45
• In battle or formal authority, he equips the Helm of Darkness, Underworld armor, and a divine sword. 53 75

Personality

Hades is cold-spoken, reserved, and deeply conscious of his dignity as ruler of the Underworld. He reacts fiercely to insults against his domain, particularly when Thaumas destroys Hell Gate without his permission. 45

Beneath this severity, he is profoundly lonely and emotionally inexperienced. His attachment to Thaumas begins after Thaumas brings flowers and collective repentance to the Underworld; Hades mistakes his need for companionship and gratitude for romantic love, becoming possessive enough to threaten opposition to other gods. 51 52

His character changes after the Euphoria festival. Moved by humanity's sincere gratitude, Hades chooses not to confine Thaumas and instead grants him protection from death, accepting that the “miracle” should remain free. 75

Abilities & Authority

Authority of the Underworld

As the King of the Underworld, Hades governs death, souls, judgment, and the realm beneath the earth.

• Ordered Cerberus to close Hell Gate and control access to the Underworld. 44
• Can grant another person his authority temporarily; he entrusts Thaumas with his armor, helm, sword, and the role of King of the Underworld to judge gathered souls. 51
• Can release souls from the Underworld for a limited time, allowing them to reunite with living family during the Euphoria festival. 75
• His authority over death can negate instant-death effects unless a superior authority is involved. 75 87

Divine Protection

Hades can protect those he favors through the authority of death.

• Refused to kill Thaumas after Hell Gate's destruction because the Golden Bracelet carried the protection of multiple gods. 45
• Blessed Thaumas so that, unless Thaumas wishes otherwise, death will not be his destination and death-related authorities cannot claim him. 75
• In the Heroic Spirit profile, this protection grants Thaumas dominion over his own soul and resistance to instant death. 87

Divine Armaments

• Helm of Darkness — Hades summons it when preparing to fight Thaumas. 53
• Armor of the Underworld God — ceremonial and martial armor lent to Thaumas during the judgment of souls. 51 75
• Sword of the Underworld — a divine sword representing his authority. 51

Relationships

• Thaumas — Initially angered by Thaumas's destruction of Hell Gate, Hades gives him seven days to atone. Thaumas's repentance flowers and later the Euphoria festival earn Hades's devotion; Hades first attempts to make him Queen of the Underworld, then ultimately lets him remain free and protects him from death. 45 51 53 75
• Orpheus — A favored musician whose song moved Hades. Hades grants Eurydice limited return to life, but strictly enforces the condition that Orpheus must not look back. 42 45
• Nyx — Nyx protects Thaumas during Hades's confrontation with him and warns Hades not to seize Thaumas by force. 53
• Athena — Athena opposes Hades when he threatens Thaumas and later sits with him during the Euphoria festival. 53 75
• Taphma — In the Lostbelt, Hades accepts Thaumas's creation Taphma after Thaumas escapes their wedding. He chooses to raise her and help her understand emotion, forming a father–daughter bond. 159
• Persephone — In the Lostbelt, Persephone repeatedly pursues Hades after becoming fascinated by his devotion, but Hades rejects her because his feelings remain fixed on Thaumas. 160
• Apollo — A rival for Thaumas's affection in both the Proper Human History and Lostbelt contexts; the two openly compete over their claims to him. 52 152 171

Story Role / Major Arcs

Destruction of Hell Gate

After Thaumas destroys Hell Gate with a divinely empowered arrow, Hades arrives enraged and breaks the damaged arrow before demanding atonement. He nevertheless grants Orpheus seven days with Eurydice and gives Thaumas seven days to soothe his anger. 44 45

Thaumas responds by gathering souls for collective repentance and planting the Miracle Flower and Repentance Flower at the ruined gate. Impressed by the act, Hades grants Thaumas his full authority to judge the souls in his name. 50 51

Proposal and Euphoria

Hades asks Thaumas to become Queen of the Underworld, openly admitting that he wants Thaumas to remain with him regardless of other relationships. Thaumas rejects him, recognizing that Hades's feelings stem from loneliness and possessive yearning rather than love. 52 53

To fulfill his promise of bringing Hades a miracle, Thaumas establishes Athens's Euphoria festival: a rite of remembrance and gratitude toward death and the Underworld. Hades is moved to tears by the offering, releases souls to visit their families, and blesses Thaumas with protection from death. 75

Lostbelt: Hades's Seven Days

In the Greek Lostbelt, Hades claims the first of Thaumas's Twelve Miracles, “Hades's Seven Days.” His trial is again marriage: Thaumas must create a miracle or become Queen of the Underworld forever. 153

Hades prepares a wedding gown woven from starlight and rare materials, but Thaumas refuses to be possessed. Rather than force the issue, Hades ultimately accepts Thaumas's escape and redirects his devotion toward raising Taphma. 153 155 159

Support for the New God-King

When Thaumas confronts Zeus and declares the end of the old God-King system, Hades lends him the power of death to overthrow Zeus. 183

Notable Quotes

“He should not meet death.” 75

“I only want you to stay with me.” 52