Persephone, Demeter, and Hades Hades (Pluto)

Hades (Pluto to the Romans) was known as the lord of the underworld and god of the dead. He definitely comes off as the bad guy in this little story when he drags the maiden, Persephone, down to the underworld and forces her to be his bride. Not only does he kidnap the innocent goddess of spring, he also tricks her into eating pomegranate seeds so that she has to return to the underworld for part of every year. What a jerk, right?

In some versions of the myth, though, Persephone rules beside him of her own free will, and together they regulate the world of the dead. So, maybe he's not as big of jerk as he's made out to be.

For much much more on Hades, click here.