In Roman mythology, Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, is primarily known as Pluto. He is also referred to by another name, Dis.
The Roman pantheon often adopted and adapted deities from Greek mythology, associating them with their own existing gods or giving them new names. In the case of Hades, both Pluto and Dis were used to represent the god ruling the realm of the dead and the riches found beneath the earth.
Roman Equivalents of Hades
To illustrate the relationship between the Greek and Roman names for this significant deity, consider the following:
| Greek Name | Roman Name |
|---|---|
| Hades | Pluto, Dis |
Pluto is perhaps the more commonly recognized Roman equivalent for Hades, often associated with wealth and riches due to the earth containing precious minerals. The name "Pluto" itself derives from the Greek word "Plouton," meaning "wealthy," highlighting the god's domain over hidden treasures within the earth as well as the souls of the departed.
Dis, or Dis Pater (meaning "Father Dis"), is another Roman god of the underworld, whose name also relates to wealth ("father of riches" or "wealthy father"). He was sometimes identified with Pluto and Hades, reinforcing their shared association with the Earth's hidden resources and the vast, dark realm below.
Both names, Pluto and Dis, underscore the dual aspects of this underworld deity: not only the formidable ruler of the dead but also the benevolent master of the valuable resources found beneath the earth's surface.
