Hades vs. Hel

Attribute	Hades	Hel
God of	Underworld	Underworld
Origin	Greek mythology	Norse mythology
Realm	Underworld	Helheim
Spouse	Persephone	Loki
Children	Zagreus, Macaria	Fenrir, Jormungandr, Hel

Origins

Hades and Hel are both figures from ancient mythology, but they come from different cultural backgrounds. Hades is a figure from Greek mythology, known as the ruler of the underworld and the god of the dead. He is often depicted as a stern and powerful deity who enforces the laws of the afterlife. On the other hand, Hel comes from Norse mythology and is the ruler of Helheim, the realm of the dead in Norse cosmology. She is described as being half alive and half dead, with a gloomy and somber demeanor.

Domains

While both Hades and Hel are associated with the underworld and the dead, they have different domains and responsibilities. Hades rules over the Greek underworld, which is divided into various sections such as the Elysian Fields and Tartarus. He is responsible for judging the souls of the deceased and determining their fate in the afterlife. In contrast, Hel rules over Helheim, a realm in Norse mythology where those who did not die in battle go after death. She is responsible for welcoming the souls of the dead and providing them with a place to rest for eternity.

Physical Appearance

When it comes to physical appearance, Hades and Hel are often depicted in contrasting ways. Hades is typically portrayed as a powerful and regal figure, wearing a dark robe and carrying a scepter or a key to the underworld. He is often shown with a stern expression and a commanding presence. On the other hand, Hel is described as being half alive and half dead, with one side of her body appearing normal while the other side is decaying and skeletal. She is often depicted as a somber and melancholic figure, reflecting the nature of her realm.

Personality

In terms of personality, Hades and Hel also exhibit different traits and characteristics. Hades is often portrayed as a strict and just ruler, enforcing the laws of the underworld and maintaining order among the dead. He is not typically depicted as being malicious or cruel, but rather as a powerful and authoritative deity. Hel, on the other hand, is often described as being cold and indifferent, showing little emotion towards the souls in her realm. She is seen as a somber and melancholic figure, reflecting the gloomy nature of Helheim.

Interactions with Mortals

Both Hades and Hel have interactions with mortals in their respective mythologies, but these interactions differ in nature. In Greek mythology, Hades is known for abducting Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, to be his queen in the underworld. This act leads to the changing of the seasons, as Persephone must spend part of the year with Hades in the underworld. In Norse mythology, Hel is responsible for welcoming the souls of the dead into her realm, where they will reside for eternity. She does not typically interact with mortals in the same way that Hades does.

Symbolism

Both Hades and Hel have symbolic significance in their respective mythologies, representing different aspects of death and the afterlife. Hades is often seen as a symbol of the inevitability of death and the finality of the afterlife. He is also associated with wealth and the riches of the earth, as the underworld is believed to contain vast treasures. Hel, on the other hand, symbolizes the cold and dark aspects of death, as well as the idea of rest and peace in the afterlife. She is often seen as a figure of comfort for the souls in her realm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hades and Hel are both powerful figures from ancient mythology who rule over the realms of the dead. While they share some similarities in their roles and responsibilities, they also exhibit distinct differences in their origins, domains, physical appearance, personality, interactions with mortals, and symbolism. Hades is a stern and powerful ruler of the Greek underworld, while Hel is a somber and melancholic figure who presides over the realm of Helheim in Norse mythology. Both deities play important roles in their respective mythologies, shaping the beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife.