#hades devotion

[rottenstocking]

Hades (or Haides); King of the underworld, god of the dead - not of death.

[aesthicalmess]

A picture of my Hades and Persephone altar from the other night :D

The statue I got for Persephone was waaay bigger than I thought it was going to be lol. I dont think the photos are very well lit but thats okay :P

(All statues were from Amazon, the photo of Persephone is from MoonglowGallery on Etsy)

[starw0man]

Hades: Greek god of the Underworld and god of the dead

Hades is the Greek God of the Underworld and King of the Underworld. He is the ruler of the dead and his domain is the Underworld. His name is sometimes thought to be “the Unseen One.” Hades is not the God of death and He doesn’t bring about death (the Greek god of death is Thanatos). He just rules the Underworld and is a stern ruler who oversees the trial and punishment of wicked souls. He presided over funeral rites and defended the right of the dead to due burial.

Hades is also the god of hidden wealth of the earth. He rules over the wealth from the soil and the mined wealth of gold, silver, and other metals. His Roman counterpart, Pluto, is the god of wealth because diamonds and jewels come from the underground.

The ancient people did not worship Hades and they actually feared Him and were even afraid to say his name. There is evidence of offerings being left in at one of Hades’ sacred sites in Ellis, where a priest left offerings in a temple once a year. It’s highly debated among scholars and archaeologists whether Hades was venerated or celebrated at the Eleusinian mysteries, which were performed for Hades’ wife, Persephone and her mother, Demeter.

Hades wanted a bride and asked Zeus to grant him one of his daughters. Zeus offered Persephone, the daughter of Demeter. But since he knew they would oppose to a marriage, he assented to the abduction of Persephone. There are others who believe that Persephone chose to go with Hades and followed him into the world to discover a new place and escape from her overprotective mother. It’s up to the practitioner what myth they prefer or believe in. Once Demeter found that Persephone was gone, she was furious and refused to care for the crops which caused a great winter to befall the earth. Zeus decided to get Persephone from the Underworld and reunite her with her mother, but they found out that Persephone ate 6 seeds, which meant she had to stay in the Underworld for 6 months of the year and the other 6 months, she’ll be with Demeter.

Most notable epithets associated with Hades:

Hades has many epithets associated with them and these are the most popular or common ones:

☆ Hades Chthonius - Hades of the Underworld

☆ Hades Pasiánax - Hades, the Universal King

☆ Hades Adesius - Hades of the Grave

☆ Hades Orkos/Orcus - Hades of Oaths, Hades, the Avenger of the Perjured

☆ Hades Moiragetes - Hades, Guide of the Fates

☆ Hades Ploutos - Hades of Wealth

☆ Hades Hagesilaos - Hades, Leader of the People

☆ Hades Aidis - Hades, the Unseen

☆ Hades Zefs Khthonios - Hades, Zeus of the Underworld

☆ Hades Polydemenos - Hades, He Who Welcomes All

☆ Niger Deus - Hades, the Black God || Hades of the Infernal Regions

☆ Hades Larthy Tytiral (Etrurian) - Hades, Sovereign of Tartarus

☆ Hades Khamaizilos Dios - Hades of the Earth

☆ Hades Eubuleus - Hades of Good Counsel || Hades, the Consoler

Symbols and signs associated with Hades:

☀︎ Pomegranate: His sacred fruit

☀︎ Orchard: an orchard of pomegranate trees grew beside the Underworld palace of the King of the Dead. They were the source of the fruit that trapped Persephone in the Underworld

☀︎ Helm of Darkness: Hades’s helmet made the person wearing the helm invisible

☀︎ Scepter: a symbol of Hades that he’s often depicted having

☀︎ Bident: A two-pronged weapon associate with Hades

☀︎ Cerberus: Hades’s three-headed dog who is also the guardian of the Underworld

☀︎ Screech owl: Hades’s sacred animal

☀︎ Cypress: symbol of Hades

☀︎ Narcissus: symbol of Hades

☀︎ White poplar: symbol of Hades no

☀︎ Mint: symbol of Hades

☀︎ Asphodel flowers: symbol of Hades

☀︎ Serpents: symbol of Hades

☀︎ Cornucopia: symbol of Hades

☀︎ Black horses: the horses that pull Hades’s chariot

☀︎ Black rams: known as Hades’s favorite sacrifice

☀︎ Cattle: King Hades had a herd of immortal sable-black cattle that roamed the asphodel fields and were cared for by the herdsman Menoites

☀︎ Volcanic areas: Hades was associated with areas with steam vents and sulfurous vapors

☀︎ Keys: the gates of Hades were securely locked to prevent the escape of souls and Hades, or his doorman, Aiakos, kept the golden keys

☀︎ The number 13

☀︎ The colors black, dark grey, light gray, dark purple, silver, and dark blue

Offerings to give to Hades:

★ Any stones (preferably jagged or black/dark) or metals

★ Fruits like pomegranates and apples

★ Asphodel

★ Herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme

★ Coins

★ Crystals like hematite, jet, black obsidian, black tourmaline, and onyx

★ Black coffee or tea

★ Ethically sourced animal bones

★ Bones and skulls

★ Black and/or silver candles

★ Alcohol (red wine, bourbon, or strong whiskey are some of the best)

★ Cypress leaves or bark

★ Photos of Cerebus or depictions/art of him

Devotional activities to do for Hades:

✮ Visit your local graveyard and maybe help to clean it up

✮ Learn about funerary rites across different cultures and backgrounds

✮ Learn about how gravestones are made

✮ Clean graves (properly and with permission)

✮ Leave flowers or coins on old graves

✮ Assist bereaved people (with food, money, and company)

✮ Do ancestor work

✮ Visit and tour caves

✮ Do shadow work

✮ Do spirit work or work with the dead/do mediumship

✮ Learn about death magic

✮ Do money or abundance workings or spells

✮ Make chocolate cake or brownies for him

✮ Honor his wife (Persephone) and his children

✮ Volunteer at a retirement home

✮ Wear black, purple, and silver

✮ Spend time with pets (especially with dogs)

✮ Pour liquid offerings onto the ground

✮ Donate to those who can’t afford to hold a funeral

✮ Donate to suicide prevention organizations

✮ Donate dog food, toys, or blankets to animal shelters

✮ Keep a budget and save money/spend it wisely

Teachings:

Being able to withstand any obstacles you face and being resilient, perseverance, the strength to stand alone, being able to cope with being ostracized or misunderstood, accepting that life and nature has its cycles, being able to accept change, being able to maintain balance and be disciplined, leading with example and being a fair and honorable leader, the importance of duty and responsibility, how to maintain abundance and stability, to better understand death and the afterlife

For the full post about Hades and for more Hellenic polytheism content, check out my Patreon @starw0man4

[wwolfeus]

small ways to devote your time to the gods <3

as a hades devotee.🖤

• incorporate elements of them into your hobbies.

for example, i wanted to watch slime videos. i specifically searched for videos of burgundy and black slime. when i paint, i try to use darker color palettes. when reading books, i underline words or phrases that remind me of hades/persephone. when walking, i pick up sticks (best case scenario, i find discarded animal bones) to wash and anoint and leave on his altar. even little things like that can let your chosen deity know you’re thinking of them.

• when doing tarot readings, add a card to the spread to allow for their insight.

if you’re reading tarot to connect with spirit or any other entity that is not the god you’re seeking to worship, add a card at the end to ask them for their personal insight. or, add a card at the beginning to ask them what to expect from the entities moving forward. my favorite questions: do these entities have my best interest at heart? how can i cultivate the following messages?

• make a pinterest board of/for your deity.

i have a separate pinterest account to honor hades and persephone. here, i pin altar inspo, prayers and hymns, herb blends, and aesthetics that remind me of hades. not only does it allow for me time, but it opens up doors for quiet introspection and positive attitudes regarding deity worship. it associates pretty images and pleases not only your heart and mind, but the gods.

• make a playlist for your deity.

i have a hades playlist. here, i have folk songs about death, ethel cain songs, gabe’s songs from next to normal, and songs about strength and healing. i play this in the car, on my TV in my room, and as filler music when im doing my makeup or rearranging his altar.

• meditate in bed while you’re trying to sleep.

i do unguided meditation. just lay down, get comfortable, and think. no fancy yoga poses. ask your deity to listen and give feedback. fall gently into sleep as you give away your troubles and anxieties. let them soothe you and tell you how you can do better. let them be your guide. offer them entrances into your dreams, and ask them to further communicate during your next meditation. from there, sleep.

• make subliminals for manifesting.

it’s actually pretty easy. include affirmations like: ___ is with me. i am connected with ___. ___ is helping me overcome my struggles. customize it to your own liking and save the audio file to your files app on your phone. allows for wifi-free enjoyment. great for when you’re drowsy on a plane or, if you’re the kind of person who needs noise to sleep, overlay your subliminals ontop of white noise/nature sounds. soft gregorian chants are always a safe option as well.

[themirroredmoon]

Hades Epithets

After the student asked for Hermes' epithets, I started looking into other deities so I may pay my respects to them with these acts of love and devotion.

Enjoy!

1. ᾍδης Πολυδέγμων (Haidēs Polydegmōn)

Translation: Receiver of Many Source: Homeric Hymn to Demeter 9; Aeschylus, Persians 628. Meaning: An ancient and defining title. “Polydegmon” encapsulates his role as the host of all mortal souls, emphasizing inevitability rather than malice. It conveys a solemn hospitality — the god who receives all without distinction.

2. Πλούτων (Ploutōn)

Translation: Wealth-Giver or Giver of Riches Source: Hesiod, Theogony 969; Diodorus Siculus 5.68.5. Meaning: A later and gentler aspect of Hades, “Plouton” stresses his connection to agricultural and mineral wealth below the earth. This epithet arose to soften associations with death, merging him with fertility deities who ensure abundance and renewal.

3. Ζεὺς Καταχθόνιος (Zeus Katachthonios)

Translation: Zeus of the Underworld Source: Orphic Hymn 17.12; Pausanias 5.14.10. Meaning: A syncretic title aligning Hades with the authority of Zeus. It reflects theological unity between sky and underworld, each ruling his realm. In mystery cults, this epithet recognized Hades as the chthonic mirror of celestial sovereignty.

4. Ἅιδης Εὔβουλος (Haidēs Euboulos)

Translation: Good Counselor or Wise in Counsel Source: Orphic Hymn 18.1; Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4.1382. Meaning: This epithet emphasizes Hades’ wisdom and moral balance. “Euboulos” frames him not as punitive, but as deliberative and impartial, governing the dead through law and order.

5. Ἀΐδωνεύς (Aidoneus)

Translation: The Unseen or Invisible One Source: Homer, Iliad 9.158; Odyssey 11.488; Pausanias 6.25.2. Meaning: A poetic variant of his name, derived from a-idēs (“the unseen”). It personifies invisibility as both metaphysical and sacred — Hades as the hidden force underlying existence. The name was also used in mythic contexts, underscoring his majesty and mystery.

6. Ἅιδης Κλυμένος (Haidēs Klymenos)

Translation: The Renowned or the Famous One Source: Orphic Hymn 18.1; Homeric Hymn to Demeter 19. Meaning: A euphemistic title, substituting a pleasant epithet for a fearsome name. “Klymenos” was often used in ritual speech to avoid directly invoking Hades. It represents reverent circumlocution — honoring him through praise.

7. Ἅιδης Πολύξενος (Haidēs Polyxenos)

Translation: Hospitable to Many Source: Aeschylus, Suppliants 232; Orphic Hymn 18.2. Meaning: An epithet reflecting sacred hospitality (xenia) extended to the dead. “Polyxenos” aligns with “Polydegmon” yet adds nuance: the Underworld is not only a place of reception, but of proper welcome — each soul a guest.

8. Ἅιδης Χθόνιος (Haidēs Chthonios)

Translation: Of the Earth or Underworld Source: Orphic Hymn 18.1; Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3.1163. Meaning: A cult epithet distinguishing Hades’ elemental aspect. “Chthonios” marks him as one of the theoi chthonioi — deities of the soil, fertility, and the ancestral dead. It emphasizes his integration with natural and spiritual cycles of decay and rebirth.

9. Ἅιδης Πλουτοδότης (Haidēs Ploutodotēs)

Translation: Bestower of Wealth Source: Diodorus Siculus 5.68.5; Proclus on Plato’s Cratylus 403a. Meaning: A derivative of Ploutōn, merging his chthonic dominion with his role as benefactor of earthly abundance. In agrarian cults, this epithet invoked Hades during sowing season to ensure the fertility of crops.

10. Ἅιδης Ἀναξ Νεκρῶν (Haidēs Anax Nekrōn)

Translation: Lord of the Dead Source: Homer, Odyssey 10.528; Orphic Hymn 18.1. Meaning: A formal designation of sovereignty, establishing Hades as Anax (lord, ruler) over the realm of the deceased. This title underscores the sacred hierarchy of the afterlife — not chaos, but ordered kingship.

11. Ἅιδης Ἀδαμάντινος (Haidēs Adamantinos)

Translation: The Unyielding or the Adamantine One Source: Orphic Hymn 18.10; scholia on Homer, Odyssey 11.385. Meaning: Derived from adamas (“unbreakable”), this epithet refers to the indestructibility of his realm and his justice. It portrays Hades as the firm arbiter of death’s laws, whose will is unbending yet just.

12. Ἅιδης Μείλιχος (Haidēs Meilichos)

Translation: Gentle or Kindly Source: Pausanias 1.31.4; Orphic Hymn 18.8. Meaning: A euphemistic epithet reflecting the Greek tradition of appeasing chthonic gods through mild, flattering language. “Meilichos” presents Hades as approachable and fair, rewarding proper reverence with peace for the soul.

13. Ἅιδης Ἐπίκουρος (Haidēs Epikouros)

Translation: Helper or Protector Source: Orphic Hymn 18.11; Hesychius s.v. “Epikouros.” Meaning: A rare title expressing his protective role toward the righteous dead and the sanctity of burial grounds. In certain necromantic texts, Hades is invoked as guardian of sacred oaths and tombs.

14. Ἅιδης Καλλίνικος (Haidēs Kallinikos)

Translation: Noble in Victory Source: Epigraphic evidence from Eleusis; Orphic Hymn 18.12. Meaning: An epithet linked to the triumph of the immortal soul over mortal corruption. “Kallinikos” conveys glory through endurance, as the passage through death is itself a form of divine victory.

15. Ἅιδης Εὔφρων (Haidēs Euphrōn)

Translation: Kindly-Minded or Benevolent Source: Orphic Hymn 18.4; scholia on Euripides, Alcestis 244. Meaning: Like Meilichos, this epithet invokes Hades in a softened tone. “Euphron” implies that his rule is guided by fairness and wisdom. It reflects Greek funerary theology, where peaceful death followed a just life.

16. Ἅιδης Δότειρα (Haidēs Doteira)

Translation: The Giver or Grantor Source: Orphic Hymn 18.9; Orphic fragment 335 Kern. Meaning: A gendered poetic epithet used rarely in Orphic ritual, aligning Hades with divine reciprocity. “Doteira” signifies his ability to grant passage, protection, and rebirth — a giver not of life, but of transition.

17. Ἅιδης Πανδέκτης (Haidēs Pandektēs)

Translation: All-Receiver Source: Orphic Hymn 18.2; Pindar, Olympian Odes 14.20. Meaning: Nearly synonymous with Polydegmon, “Pandektes” stresses the universal reach of Hades’ dominion. Every mortal, regardless of status, is ultimately received by him. The epithet expresses divine impartiality and cosmic balance.

18. Ἅιδης Ἀγησίλαος (Haidēs Agēsilaos)

Translation: Leader of the People Source: Pseudo-Orphic fragments; scholia on Iliad 9.457. Meaning: A political-theological epithet equating Hades’ rule over the dead to kingship among the living. “Agēsilaos” represents authority grounded in divine order, linking him to the concept of sacred governance beyond mortality.

19. Ἅιδης Ἀγήτωρ (Haidēs Agētōr)

Translation: Guide or Leader Source: Orphic Hymn 18.3; Homeric parallels in Odyssey 11. Meaning: A guiding epithet referring to Hades’ role as conductor of souls into the afterlife. “Agētōr” highlights his function not as destroyer, but as psychopompic sovereign — the one who leads safely into the next world.

20. Ἅιδης Ἀνίκητος (Haidēs Anikētos)

Translation: Invincible or Unconquered Source: Orphic Hymn 18.10; Clement of Alexandria, Protrepticus 2.15. Meaning: A hymn title praising Hades’ unassailable dominion. “Anikētos” celebrates his permanence and eternal reign — untouched by time, death, or decay.

21. Ἅιδης Ἑρμανοῦβις (Haidēs Hermanoubis)

Translation: Hades-Hermanubis Source: Papyri Graecae Magicae IV. 1596–1715; Egyptian-Greek inscriptions, Alexandria. Meaning: A Greco-Egyptian syncretism blending Hades with Hermanubis, a funerary god combining Hermes and Anubis. This epithet appears in late Hellenistic texts invoking him as ruler of spirits and guide of souls across both pantheons.

22. Ἅιδης Σωτήρ (Haidēs Sōtēr)

Translation: Savior or Deliverer Source: Orphic Hymn 18.12; later mystery cult inscriptions. Meaning: A redemptive title describing Hades as restorer of balance, ensuring safe passage of the righteous dead. In eschatological hymns, “Sōtēr” parallels other deities of renewal, affirming the salvific aspect of death as transformation.

23. Ἅιδης Νυκτέλιος (Haidēs Nyktelios)

Translation: Nocturnal or Of the Night Source: Orphic Hymn 18.5; Nonnus, Dionysiaca 44. Meaning: A mystical epithet identifying Hades with sacred night and the veiled mysteries of initiation. “Nyktelios” aligns him with secrecy and the unseen workings of rebirth in the dark womb of the earth.

24. Ἅιδης Τελεσφόρος (Haidēs Telesphoros)

Translation: Bringer of Completion or Accomplisher of Rites Source: Orphic Hymn 18.6; epigraphy from Eleusis and Thessaly. Meaning: Refers to Hades’ role in completing the soul’s journey. “Telesphoros” conveys fulfillment — both the end of life and the successful passage through initiatory death. It parallels cultic language from the Eleusinian Mysteries.

25. Ἅιδης Βασιλεύς (Haidēs Basileus)

Translation: King or Sovereign Source: Orphic Hymn 18.1; Homer, Odyssey 11.183. Meaning: A formal epithet asserting divine kingship. “Basileus” affirms Hades’ position as ruler of the Underworld’s hierarchy, maintaining cosmic law. It emphasizes majesty and lawful order over the realm of the dead.

26. Ἅιδης Ἀμείλιχος (Haidēs Ameilichos)

Translation: Relentless or Unpitying Source: Aeschylus, Suppliants 233; scholia on Odyssey 11. Meaning: A rare, severe epithet describing the inevitability of death. “Ameilichos” does not imply cruelty but divine impartiality — even pity cannot overturn cosmic order. It balances his gentler titles like Meilichos.

27. Ἅιδης Ἀγαθός (Haidēs Agathos)

Translation: The Good or Benevolent One Source: Orphic Hymn 18.11; Apuleius, Metamorphoses 11. Meaning: A euphemistic and devotional epithet reflecting the practice of addressing chthonic deities with praise rather than fear. “Agathos” honors Hades as protector of oaths, burial, and spiritual continuity.

28. Ἅιδης Ὑποχθόνιος (Haidēs Hypochthonios)

Translation: Beneath the Earth or Subterranean One Source: Orphic Hymn 18.7; scholia on Iliad 20.61. Meaning: A descriptive title of spatial dominion, emphasizing Hades’ rule beneath the living world. “Hypochthonios” represents both depth and mystery — a theological acknowledgment of the layered cosmos.

29. Ἅιδης Πολυκλυτός (Haidēs Polyklytos)

Translation: Renowned Among Many Source: Orphic fragments 305–310; poetic parallels in Pindar. Meaning: A refined poetic epithet expressing reverent fame. “Polyklytos” underscores that even in silence and fear, Hades commands the respect of all — divine, mortal, and dead alike.

30. Ἅιδης Ἐπώνυμος (Haidēs Epōnymos)

Translation: The Nameless or He Who Bears the Name Source: Later Orphic scholia; Plutarch, De Iside et Osiride 78. Meaning: A paradoxical title signifying both reverence and avoidance. “Epōnymos” refers to how his true name was seldom spoken, replaced by softer epithets like Plouton or Euboulos. It reflects the ancient taboo of naming death directly.

[adharaantheia]

🖤 Hades Epithets 🖤

Adhara's post introduction: Helloooo!! Here it is King Hades Epithets!! I will also like to thank everyone who is liking, rebbloging and even sending me asks about my posts regarding Epithets!! And also a biiiig thank you for anyone who started to follow me!! Things are being crazy right now since I'm a uni student and I'm in the middle of exams/projects period. So please be patient while sending asks or comments!!!

Adámastos: Unsubdued, inflexible;

Chlotonius: Infernal (A name assigned to him by Orpheus in his hymn to the Eumenides);

Ploutôn: Of Wealth (ploutos);

Polyxenos: Host of Many;

Nekrodegmôn: Receiver of the Dead;

Agelastus: Expressive of his attracting all people to his empire;

Agetes: A name assigned to him by Pindar, as to one who conducts;

Ánax: King;

Clymenus: Renowned;

Moiragetes: Guide of the Fates;

Opertus: The concealed;

Órkos: Signifying oaths; Hades being the avenger of the perjured.

Adhara's random fact about the Theoi: He had few shrines in the ancient world but was honoured during funeral ceremonies and played a role in the Mystery cults. His only significant cult centre in Greece was the Oracle of the Dead in Thesprotia.

[alkalia]

Prayer to Hades and Morpheus to see a Departed One in The Dreaming Realm (Original)

"Hear Lord Morpheus, Lord Emperor of the Oneiroi, Endless Dream, Protector of the Sanity of Mind, Bringer of Happines when the Wakeness brings solely Sorrows, Your sanctuary knows no frontiers, Your Realm is the Perfect World,

Hear Lord Hades, Ruler of the Underworld, Father of all the Departed who seek refuge in your arms, You who comfort us left behind so that we can continue on with closure, keeper of the Riches that grow from the Darkness of your soils;

Lord Morpheus, kind-hearted one, to your realm we all fly in search of knowledge and inspiration; I ask of you to let Lord Hades cross into the Dreaming for a short while, for i am in dire need of hid mercy;

Lord Hades bring ______ to the realm of Dreaming, Lord Morpheus has generously agreed for all of us to meet in there;

My Dear Lords I have not seen_____ in _____(time) and I miss him/her dearly, I seek their advice, I seek their companionship, I wish and pray to see their face just one more time, to hold their hands just one more time, I have so much to tell them, so much I wish they knew and witnesed;

Lord Morpheus your realm is always a sweet escape from the harsh grasp of life please grant me this one Kindness for I am starting to lose battle with the Waking World;

Lord Hades reconnecting with ______ would greatly help me regain grasp on reality and forces to fight further and navigate through what is comming next;

I thank you both for your your generosity and understanding; You both are menders of souls that wander weary and sheperds to those in need;

I praise you both, thank you for this Dream of the Underworld!"

Add a prayer for Lord Hypnos as well for deep and healing sleep!

[brigitte-poetry]

Prayer to Hades for hard times

This prayer was written by me, and is part of a series of prayers to recite when going through rough times. Everyone is going through the ringer right now, given the state of everything, so hopefully this can help you get through some tough things too. Enjoy!

Praise be to great Lord Hades, ruler of the underworld,

The fair judge of souls one meets upon death!

Your words are firm, and yet so gentle,

Like the tender mercy of death to the sickly,

And you provide for all in your kingdom,

Alongside all those who call your name in life.

For you are the great father,

The shepherd of the departed,

A good husband to your queen

And a fair ruler for the deceased within your care;

I pray to you, Lord Hades,

That you may guide me down a better path,

Like how Charon and Hermes guide souls to your realm;

Bestow upon me your wisdom

And share with me your tender blessings

As I cry out to you from this place of anguish. 

You are the ultimate comfort for us mortals,

A promise of life after death,

A sweet relief from the pains of living,

And so I trust you to help me out of this pit,

To take me by the hand and guide me to a better life,

For you, O Hades, are so kind to humanity

And take such good care of us both before and after death,

And for this I shall praise your name until the end of time!