If you believe the ancient Greek poet Hesiod,who lived in the VIII century BC, then the god of the underground kingdom of Pluto had, as they say, a difficult childhood. Immediately after birth, he was eaten by his own father - the god of time Kronos. It can not be said that he was a very hardened villain and did not like children, no, it was just predicted to him that one of his sons, born of the legal wife of Rhea, would one day overthrow him and sit on his reign. So he took reasonable measures, in his opinion.
How did Pluto manage to get back to thewhite light - it's hard to say. Agree, because not everyone happens to visit not only in the mother's womb, but also in the father's womb. However, everything ended well, and, reaching a mature age, he, along with his own brothers - Zeus and Poseidon, took part in the division of the world. Incidentally, as a child, the god Pluto bore the name Hades, and his real name was only in the fifth century.
This section was preceded by a severe struggle withother contenders for world domination - six brothers-titans and six of their sisters-Titanides. So that Pluto and his brothers had to fight with superior enemy forces. But they won, and as a result everyone got his share of the universe. Pluto-Hades was given the underworld, it is also the realm of the dead. He was a very hospitable host, and there was no case that someone refused to admit to his domain. But nobody came back from him back.
But not everything is so gloomy and sad.God Pluto in Greek, and later in Roman mythology - is also the god of subterranean wealth and fertility. It is in his possessions that there are countless placers of precious stones and metals, and everything that later decorates our tables grows from the earth's interior. These riches had to be guarded, and Pluto personally engaged in this, not trusting anyone so responsible, for which he received from the ancient Greeks honor, respect, and sacrifices in the form of black bulls.
However, sometimes Pluto - the god of the underworld -He left his domain and ascended to the surface of the earth. But, I must say, he did not please anyone with his appearance, as he did for the sole purpose of capturing another victim in his patrimony. Exceptions were only his "inspection" sorties - checking if there was somewhere in the earth a random crack through which a ray of light could penetrate into the dungeon. The host did not like such liberties. True, the evil tongues still claimed that Pluto, in secret from his wife Persifons, had some hobbies on the surface of the earth. Well, it's not our business - we will not gossip.
Normally, God Pluto went out spectacularly.Nessya on the four black horses, harnessed to the chariot. He was standing upright and holding the reins in one hand, and in the other he had a two-tooth, which struck any obstacle that arose on the way. By the way, he stole his lawful wife and brought him during one such trip. Somewhere Persephone gape (or pretended) - and in a moment she found herself in the underworld. But, we must give him credit, legitimized the relationship and made her a queen of fertility.
Very poetically describe the kingdom of the god Plutothe ancient Greek poets. From them we learn that there is a famous river of the dead Styx, through which the old Charon ferried the souls of the dead on the boat, and from there a source begins called Leta, which, when it comes to the surface of the earth, immerses all life in oblivion. In this kingdom, in which no ray of light penetrates, the gloomy fields of Hades are forever covered with wild tulips, and the souls of the dead rush over them with a sad rustle. Their groans are like the weeping of an autumn wind.
A terrible inhabitant of the underworld - three-headeddog Cerberus - protects the kingdom of the god Pluto. The sight of him is terrible. Snakes wriggle around the monster with hissing, and toothy mouths are ready to devour everyone who disturbs the dungeon's peace. He admits everyone, but not one has yet released from this world where there is neither joy nor sorrow.
According to the testimony of all the same poets who are allso well seen in the kingdom, where there is not a single ray of light, the society there is quite numerous. In the center, on the golden throne, sit the god Pluto and his wife Persephone, and at the foot are Judges Minos and Radamant. Above the heads of those sitting, the god of death Tanat hovers, spreading her black wings. In his hands is a smashing sword, and next to him are his inseparable companions Kera, gloomy maidens, the spirits of death.
Here, as a servant, the goddess of revengeErinia, and next to them - a young handsome man with a handful of poppy heads in his hands. This young god is called Hypnos. He knows how to make a drink from a poppy, from which both people and gods fall into a dream. However, we are not surprised. Supplements society three-headed goddess Rekasha with her constant companions - ghosts and monsters. She also sometimes rises to the surface of the earth and, walking at night, sends people terrible dreams.
Centuries passed, in place of the ancient Greek Aidacame the Roman god Pluto. Over time, he sank into oblivion, and paganism gave way to true faith. But all the same fascinates our ears of the legend of the ancient inhabitants of Olympus, as immortal as the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, to the noise of which they were born.
