Pluto in Mythology: Greek or Roman?

Is Pluto Greek or Roman? This question delves into the fascinating world of mythological deities and their various representations across different cultures. Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, is often associated with the Greek god Hades, who held the same domain. However, the origins and nuances of these deities are rich and worth exploring.

The Roman Pluto and Greek Hades

Although Pluto is the Latin name for the Roman god of the underworld, the concept of this deity has its roots in Greek mythology, where the equivalent is Hades. Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, is often mistakenly referred to as Pluto in English. To clarify, Hades is the Greek god, while Pluto is the Roman counterpart. Both deities share similar attributes and functions in their respective mythologies, being associated with the afterlife and the realm of the dead. However, Plato, the Latin form of Plouton, a Greek deity, adds a layer of complexity to this understanding.

Pluto: A Greek Deity Known in Latin

Pluto, spelled in Latin as PLVTO, is a Greek deity. The term Pluto is a Latinized form of the Greek name Πλοτων (Ploutōn), which means "The Wealthy One." This epithet was given to Hades, the Greek god, emphasizing his role as the god of wealth. It is important to understand that while Pluto is the Roman name for the deity, the concept and attributes originally belonged to Hades in Greek mythology.

The Greek Deity Plouton (Plutos)

Behind the Romanized name of Pluto, there exists a Greek god named Plouton (Plutos). This lesser-known deity is of particular interest due to the minor god status within Greek mythology. Unlike his more famous counterparts, Plouton rarely appeared in major stories, and the few minor tales associated with him lack the narrative depth of full-fledged myths.

The Origin of Plouton

According to ancient Greek myths, Plouton was the son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Iasion, a mortal. However, Zeus, the king of the gods, was enraged by this union and punished the couple. Zeus struck Iasion down when the couple had Plouton in a field, symbolizing the triple plowing. This act of vengeance resulted in Plouton being permanently affected in two ways: he was blinded and rendered lame. These conditions described Plouton as eternally late and unable to distribute wealth evenly, often leading to disputes over its rightful ownership.

Symbolism and Depiction of Plouton

The depiction of Plouton largely involves his association with wealth and his position in the underworld. He is often shown holding either a cornucopia or corn-eared corn, symbols of fertility and bounty, or as a small infant in the arms of Eirene, the goddess of peace. This imagery symbolizes the correlation between peace and prosperity.

The Roman Fusion: Pluto

The Romans adopted and merged these concepts from both Greek and Etruscan traditions to create their version of the underworld deity, thus forming the Roman Pluto. The Romans encompassed the Greek perceptions of Hades and Plouton, amalgamating them into a single deity who ruled over both the underworld and wealth. This iteration of Pluto was associated with not only the dead but also with precious metals and gems.

Typically, the Roman Pluto was depicted as a grim and serious figure, often accompanied by Silvanus and other underworld deities. His symbol, the cornucopia, further emphasized his role as a god of wealth, as well as miscellaneous elements like gems and gold found in underground deposits.

Thus, in roman mythology, Pluto became an amalgamation of both Hades and Plouton, embodying a uniquely Roman perspective on the god of the underworld and wealth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, shares many similarities with the Greek Hades, the specifics of these deities lie in the cultural and mythological context from which they emerged. The mythology of both Plouton (Plutos) and Hades enriches our understanding of the complex and intertwined pantheons of the ancient world.