In Greek mythology, both Zeus and Hades are Greek Gods, two of the main three of the 12 Olympians too. They are also both brothers and sons of Cronus. They are very alike and yet very different.
Zeus is the God of Lightning and the Heavens, while Hades is the God of Metals, Wealth, and the Underworld. Zeus' symbol is the Eagle, while anything dark or fearful is often related to Hades. Their adventures also greatly differed. Zeus is well known for saving the other Gods from Cronus. However, Hades is well known for kidnapping Persephone. Zeus is not known to be omniscient or omnipotent, and has also been known to have many affairs and is the father of many heroes. Hades has a special invisibility cap. Even though Hades is one of the 12 Olympians, he seldom visits Olympia, preferring to remain in the Underworld. Also, Hades was swallowed by Cronus while Zeus was not. According to Hesiod’s Theology, “He swallowed Hades, Hera, Demeter, Poseidon, and Hestia...” This implies that Zeus is special from his brothers and sisters. It is a sign that he is going to be the king of gods.
I think the differences of Zeus and Hades reflect the classical beliefs and worldviews. Zeus is a mighty and strong hero, which are qualities reflected in almost all other Greek heroes and myths. This may reflect the belief that physically powerful individuals are to be respected and honored. Hades is a mysterious and seldom seen mythological figure. He may be feared, as he is both terrible and the King of the Dead. This reflects the Greek belief of fear of the unknown and the mysterious.
As far as I am concerned, Greek mythology has influenced modern literature greatly. Many characters today are similar to Zeus in that they are arrogant, petty, and easily tempted. They may not be societies greatest, but nonetheless they think too much of themselves and are easily tempted by money or women, but in the end most overcome these things for the greater good. Hades also seems to reflect this in modern literature heroes, where the hero may originally be a criminal or social outcast but actually has a strong sense of goodness inside. But Hades also has much in common with villains, which is where his relations with darkness and death come to play.
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