Also known as Dis Pater or Orcus, was an ancient Roman god associated with the underworld and the afterlife. He held a prominent place in Roman mythology as the ruler of the realm of the dead. As the counterpart to the Greek god Hades, Pluto’s role and attributes were similar to those of his Greek counterpart.

In Roman mythology, Pluto was the son of Saturn (the god of time) and Ops (the goddess of abundance). He was one of the three major gods of the Roman pantheon, along with his brothers Jupiter (the king of gods) and Neptune (the god of the sea). After the defeat of their father Saturn, the three brothers divided the universe amongst themselves, with Pluto becoming the ruler of the underworld.

Pluto was often depicted as a stern and imposing figure with a dark beard and a somber expression. He was commonly shown with a two-pronged scepter, which symbolized his authority over the dead. In some representations, he wore a crown or a helmet, denoting his sovereignty over the realm of the dead. His chariot was driven by four black horses.

As the god of the underworld, Pluto presided over the souls of the deceased and their journey to the afterlife. He was responsible for maintaining order and justice in the realm of the dead and ensuring that the souls received their appropriate rewards or punishments. Pluto was not a cruel or malevolent deity; rather, he enforced the natural order of life and death.

Pluto was also associated with wealth and abundance, as the earth’s riches were believed to originate from the underworld. He was considered the guardian of precious minerals and gems, which were often associated with the hidden treasures of the earth. This aspect of Pluto’s domain linked him to the concept of wealth hidden beneath the surface, as well as the transformative power of the earth’s resources.

Pluto’s cult was not as extensive or well-documented as those of some other Roman gods. However, he had a presence in Roman religious practices, particularly during funerals and other rituals associated with death and the afterlife. Temples and shrines dedicated to Pluto were relatively rare, but the god was often invoked and honored alongside other deities in various ceremonies.

With the spread of Christianity and the decline of the Roman Empire, belief in the Roman gods waned, and Pluto gradually faded from popular worship. However, his significance in Roman mythology and his association with the concept of the underworld and the afterlife continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts of ancient Roman culture.

Weapons

There are a few instances in art and literature where Pluto is shown with specific objects or symbols that represent his authority and dominion over the underworld. There are two prominent such symbols or weapons:

Bident: A two-pronged scepter, also known as a bident. The bident, resembling a pitchfork or trident, is a symbol of his power and is often seen in depictions of the god. This is thought to be the counterpart to Neptune’s Trident, and Jupiter’s Thunderbolt.

Crown: Pluto is also often portrayed wearing a crown or a helmet, representing his royal status as the ruler of the underworld. This may be a reflection of the Greek “Cap of Invisibility” which was a crown Hades was written to own that made its wearer invisible.

Family

Pluto’s family in Roman mythology consists of his parents, siblings, and spouse.

Parents:

• Saturn (also known as Cronus in Greek mythology): Saturn is the god of time and the harvest. He is one of the oldest and most powerful gods in Roman mythology and serves as the father of Pluto.
• Ops (also known as Rhea in Greek mythology): Ops is the goddess of abundance, fertility, and wealth. She is the wife of Saturn and the mother of Pluto.

Siblings:

• Jupiter (also known as Zeus in Greek mythology): Jupiter is the king of the gods and the ruler of the heavens. He is Pluto’s brother.
• Neptune (also known as Poseidon in Greek mythology): Neptune is the god of the sea and water. He is another brother of Pluto.

Spouse:

• Proserpina (also known as Persephone in Greek mythology): Proserpina is the daughter of Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Jupiter. She becomes Pluto’s wife and the queen of the underworld. Proserpina’s abduction by Pluto and subsequent time spent in the underworld is a well-known myth in Roman mythology.

Pivotal Moment

One of the pivotal moments in Pluto’s mythology is the abduction of Proserpina (Persephone in Greek mythology), which marks the beginning of their relationship and Pluto’s role as the ruler of the underworld.

According to the myth, Pluto became infatuated with Proserpina, the daughter of Ceres (Demeter in Greek mythology), the goddess of agriculture. While Proserpina was gathering flowers in a meadow, Pluto emerged from the depths of the underworld in his chariot and forcefully abducted her, taking her to the realm of the dead.

This event caused great distress to Proserpina’s mother, Ceres, who searched the earth tirelessly for her daughter. In her grief and anger, Ceres neglected her duties as the goddess of agriculture, causing a devastating famine to befall the land.

Eventually, Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology), Proserpina’s father, intervened and negotiated a compromise. It was agreed that Proserpina would spend a portion of the year with Pluto in the underworld as his wife and queen, while the remaining part of the year she would reside with her mother on Earth. This arrangement explained the changing seasons, as Ceres rejoiced when her daughter returned, causing the rebirth of vegetation and the blossoming of flowers.

Pluto’s abduction of Proserpina and their subsequent marriage solidified his role as the ruler of the underworld and the husband of the queen of the dead. This pivotal moment in mythology highlights Pluto’s power and his connection to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.