Hades vs. Pluto — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Hades refers to both the ancient Greek god of the underworld and the underworld itself, focusing on his rule and abode, while Pluto is the Roman equivalent, often associated with wealth and the judge of the dead.
Difference Between Hades and Pluto
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hades in Greek mythology is the god of the underworld, a figure often depicted as stern and just, ruling over the realm of the dead. In contrast, Pluto in Roman mythology represents not only the underworld but also embodies the concept of wealth (ploutos in Greek), highlighting his control over the earth's riches.
Hades is one of the major Olympian gods, often seen as a somber and reclusive figure who rarely leaves his dark realm. On the other hand, Pluto is sometimes portrayed more dynamically, participating in myths that involve interactions with other gods and even mortals, reflecting a different cultural interpretation of the deity.
The Greeks portrayed Hades with a dark beard, somber robes, and a scepter, emphasizing his dominion and solemnity. Whereas, Roman depictions of Pluto often include the cornucopia, symbolizing abundance and wealth, alongside a more regal and less austere appearance.
Hades' narrative is deeply intertwined with tales of abduction, such as the famous story of Persephone, which defines the seasons. Conversely, Pluto's mythology also includes these stories but often with added elements of fertility and renewal associated with wealth and the bounty of the earth.
The underworld over which Hades presides is typically described as a gloomy and desolate place, populated by shadows and devoid of joy. In contrast, the underworld under Pluto's rule can sometimes appear more as a place of wealth and hidden treasures, mirroring his association with riches and the subterranean.
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Comparison Chart
Culture
Greek
Roman
Domains
Underworld, death
Underworld, wealth, and the dead
Symbols
Scepter, Cerberus, cypress
Cornucopia, scepter, Cerberus
Mythological Roles
Kidnapper of Persephone, judge
Judge, ruler, and giver of wealth
Visual Depictions
Dark, somber attire
Regal, often with a cornucopia
Compare with Definitions
Hades
Personification of death and darkness.
Hades' arrival was always marked by a chill in the air.
Pluto
Often depicted with a cornucopia.
Pluto symbolizes abundance and fertility in Roman art.
Hades
God of the Underworld in Greek mythology.
Hades is often depicted as ruling the dead from his dark throne.
Pluto
Involved in the myth of Persephone as a figure of renewal.
Pluto's story with Persephone highlights themes of rebirth and spring.
Hades
Brother of Zeus and Poseidon.
Hades shared the rule of the cosmos with his siblings after the overthrow of the Titans.
Pluto
Roman god of the underworld and wealth.
Pluto was revered both for his judicial capacities and his wealth-giving attributes.
Hades
Abductor of Persephone.
Hades caused the seasons to change by kidnapping Persephone.
Pluto
Equivalent of Greek Hades but with richer attributes.
Pluto's domain included both the dark underworld and the treasures within the earth.
Hades
Ruler over the spirits of the dead.
Hades judged the souls that entered his realm.
Pluto
Associated with wealth from the earth.
Pluto's connection to mineral wealth linked him with mining and riches.
Hades
Hades (; Greek: ᾍδης Hádēs; Ἅιδης Háidēs), in the ancient Greek religion and myth, is the god of the dead and the king of the underworld, with which his name became synonymous. Hades was the eldest son of Cronus and Rhea, although the last son regurgitated by his father.
Pluto
Pluto (minor planet designation: 134340 Pluto) is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, a ring of bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was the first and the largest Kuiper belt object to be discovered.
Hades
The god of the netherworld and dispenser of earthly riches.
Pluto
Roman Mythology The god of the dead and the ruler of the underworld, identified with the Greek Hades.
Hades
This netherworld kingdom, the abode of the shades of the dead.
Pluto
A dwarf planet having a sidereal period of revolution about the sun of 248.5 years, a highly elliptical orbit with a perihelion distance of 4.4 billion kilometers (2.8 billion miles) and an aphelion distance of 7.4 billion kilometers (4.6 billion miles), and a mean equatorial diameter of 2,302 kilometers (1,485 miles), less than half that of Earth. Until 2006, Pluto was classified as the ninth planet in the solar system. See Usage Note at planet.
Hades
Also hades Hell.
Pluto
(neologism) To demote or devalue something.
Hades
Plural of hade
Pluto
The son of Saturn and Rhea, brother of Jupiter and Neptune; the dark and gloomy god of the Lower World.
Hades
The nether world (according to classical mythology, the abode of the shades, ruled over by Hades or Pluto); the invisible world; the grave.
And death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them.
Neither was he left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.
Pluto
The ninth planet of the Solar System, the smallest (5700 km radius) and most distant from the sun. The suggestion has been made that it more closely resembles a large close comet than a planet. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.248, larger than that of any other planet; it varies from 4.44 to 7.37 billion km distance from the sun.
Pluto is an oddball among its eight sister planets. It's the smallest in both size and mass, and has the most elliptical orbit. It moves in a plane tilted markedly away from the other planets' orbits. Moreover, Pluto is the only planet made almost entirely of ice.
Hades
(Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone
Pluto
A cartoon character created by Walt Disney
Hades
(religion) the world of the dead;
He didn't want to go to hell when he died
Pluto
(Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone
Pluto
The second smallest planet and the farthest known from the sun; has the most elliptical orbit of all the planets
Common Curiosities
Who is Hades?
Hades is the Greek god of the underworld and the dead.
What are the primary symbols of Hades?
Hades is often symbolized by a scepter, Cerberus, and cypress trees.
What symbols are associated with Pluto?
Pluto is frequently depicted with a cornucopia, signifying abundance and wealth, in addition to a scepter.
How do Hades and Pluto differ in their mythological roles?
Hades primarily focuses on ruling the dead and his kingdom's somber aspects, whereas Pluto's role extends to encompass wealth and the fertility of the earth.
Who is Pluto?
Pluto is the Roman god of the underworld, also associated with wealth and judgment of the dead.
How does the cult of Hades compare to that of Pluto?
The cult of Hades was less pronounced, focusing on rites of passage and death, while Pluto's cult could include aspects of wealth and fertility.
Can Hades and Pluto be considered the same god?
They are equivalents in different mythologies (Greek and Roman) but with varying attributes and cultural significance.
What is the significance of Persephone in relation to Hades and Pluto?
Both gods are known for their myth involving the abduction of Persephone, which explains the seasons.
What does the underworld represent in Greek and Roman mythology?
In Greek mythology, it's a place of darkness and gloom, whereas in Roman stories, it can also represent wealth and hidden treasures.
What role do Zeus and Poseidon play in relation to Hades?
They are his brothers, and together they divided the rule of the world among themselves.
Why is Pluto associated with wealth?
His name is derived from the Greek word for wealth, 'ploutos,' and he is linked to the riches found beneath the earth.
What is the cultural impact of Hades and Pluto in their respective mythologies?
Hades plays a role in defining Greek views on death and the afterlife, while Pluto influences Roman ideals of wealth and power.
How does the portrayal of Hades differ from that of Pluto in visual arts?
Hades is depicted as darker and more austere, while Pluto often appears more regal and wealthy.
Are there any festivals associated with Hades or Pluto?
There are few festivals for Hades, reflective of his somber role; however, Pluto might be honored in festivities related to abundance and the harvest.
What lessons can be learned from the stories of Hades and Pluto?
They teach about the inevitability of death, the cyclical nature of life and seasons, and the concept of justice after life.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
