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Hades

Greek god of the underworld and of wealth, also identified with Pluto. Hades abducted Persephone (daughter of the corn goddess Demeter) and made her his wife. In his intimidating character as lord of death, Hades was mysterious and terrifying, but in his benign aspect he was the generous god of wealth. His attention could be secured by striking the ground, and he could be propitiated by an offering of a black-fleeced sheep.

Entrance to the domain of Hades was through the groves of Persephone, where the gates were guarded by the great dog Cerberus, who admitted visitors without difficulty but would not let them leave. After passing through the gate, one had several rivers to cross, including Lethe, the river of forgetfulness. For a small fee, the ferryman Charon would take the traveler across.

In later history, the domain of Hades became synonymous with hell, although Hades' domain was not referred to as a place of torment.