Hades from Supergiant Games was one of the breakout games of last year. Not only was the gameplay addicting and fastpaced but the world and depth of the main cast sold a wonderful story. The Greek pantheon has been used quite a bit in recent years for some spectacular gaming. But you haven’t seen it portrayed quite like this.
Watch out for mild spoilers.
Zagreus
The snarky Prince of the Underworld, he is the son of Hades and unknowingly Persephone. Having spent most of his immortal life bearing the brunt of his father Hades’ repressed frustration and rage, he grew up feeling distant and out of place from the other denizens of the underworld. Partially due to his failing to meet the heavy expectations of his father, and partially his apparent inability to contribute to the running of the Underworld. Isn’t that always the case?
When he discovers the truth of his parentage, he decides to attempt to escape the realm of the dead to seek out his long-lost mother.
Nyx
Nyx sometimes referred to as “Mother Night”, is the personification of night. She is the mother of twin gods Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), of Eris (Strife), Nemesis (Retribution), and many others. She is also the caretaker of Zagreus.
A kind of chief of staff to the House of Hades, she became Zagreus’ caretaker when Persephone left the Underworld. She gives you the Mirror of Night to aid your escape from the Underworld.
Achilles
Not quite a god, but a mentor to our young prince Zagreus. Achilles is a demi-human hero with superhuman strength and near-invulnerability, having been dipped in the River Styx as a baby. He was fatally wounded one day when he was shot in his heel with an arrow, his only weak spot.
His shade descended to the Underworld, where he was hired by Hades to train a young Zagreus in battle and military discipline. Since he was hired, Achilles has made an effort to be a source of support and encouragement for Zagreus in the face of Hades’ often harsh treatment.
Hades
God of the Underworld, lord and master of the House of Hades, he is the father of Zagreus. Hades is stern, serious, and dedicated to his work. He is shown, in the Remembrances to have been strict and often cruel with Zagreus during his childhood.
He is resentful of Zagreus’ repeated attempts to escape the Underworld and greets his returns with scorn and mockery. Additionally, he will sometimes order shades to congregate near Zagreus in order to punish him (time trials). At the end of Hell he dons his Helm of Darkness and brings the spear Gigaros, to vanquish you and banish you all the way back to the House. He is the final boss of the main game.
Persephone
Persephone is the goddess of seasonal change and vegetation (particularly grain), and daughter of Demeter. She was the wife of Hades and Queen of the Underworld for a time but has since left for the world above. Following her departure, Hades forbade all mentions of her in the House, and he is unsympathetic to Zagreus’ attempts to pry more information about his mother.
