In Record of Ragnarok, Hades does not appear in the main tournament until the manga’s later rounds, where he fights as a replacement for the traitorous god Buddha and faces the human champion Qin Shi Huang. He is portrayed as the eldest of the three brothers—Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus—in this version, a calm and noble god who wields a divine weapon called the Bident of Hades. His story is an original creation for the manga, not a direct retelling of Greek myth, and it expands the series’ pantheon by giving the god of the underworld a central role in the battle for humanity’s survival.
Who Is Hades in Record of Ragnarok?
In the manga and anime series Record of Ragnarok (known in Japanese as Shūmatsu no Valkyrie), the gods hold a tournament to decide whether humanity should be erased. Each round pits one god against one human champion. Hades is introduced much later than the other Greek gods, appearing during the seventh round as a spectator and then stepping in as a fighter in the eighth round. The series reimagines him as the eldest brother of the Greek pantheon’s ruling trio, with Poseidon as the second and Zeus as the youngest—a deliberate inversion of the traditional Greek myth where Zeus is the eldest. This Hades is reserved, dignified, and deeply loyal to his brothers, especially to Poseidon, whose death at the hands of the human fighter Sasaki Kojiro motivates Hades to volunteer for the tournament.
Hades’ Role and Fighting Style
Hades enters the tournament as a substitute for Buddha, who defected to fight on humanity’s side. His opponent is the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, a real historical figure who is heavily mythologized in the series. Hades fights with a bident—a two-pronged spear—called the Bident of Hades, which he uses with a technique known as the Blood of Hades, allowing him to see and strike the vital points of his opponent’s body. Unlike many of the other gods, who rely on raw power or magical abilities, Hades’ fighting style is precise and analytical, reflecting his role as a ruler who values order and control. His battle with Qin Shi Huang is one of the longest in the manga, spanning multiple chapters and ending with Hades’ defeat. He acknowledges Qin Shi Huang’s strength and dies with a sense of respect for his opponent, a departure from the arrogant or cruel portrayals of other gods in the series.
How Hades Differs from Greek Mythology
The manga’s Hades is a significant departure from the classical Greek god. In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Hades is the ruler of the underworld, a grim but not evil figure who rarely leaves his domain. He is not one of the twelve Olympians, and he plays a minor role in most myths, appearing mainly in the story of Persephone’s abduction. The Iliad and Odyssey portray him as a stern but just god, and he is not typically depicted as a warrior. In Record of Ragnarok, however, Hades is an active combatant, a loving brother, and a central figure in the plot. The series also gives him a different family structure: in Greek myth, Hades is the eldest son of Cronus and Rhea, but he is not the eldest brother in the sense of ruling over the others—Zeus is the youngest but becomes the king of the gods. The manga’s version makes Hades the eldest and the one who voluntarily yields the throne to Zeus, a detail that has no basis in ancient sources. This creative liberty is typical of the series, which reimagines gods from various mythologies for dramatic effect.
Hades’ Appearance and Personality
Visually, Hades in the manga is tall and muscular, with long, flowing black hair and a calm, almost melancholic expression. He wears a dark, ornate outfit that reflects his association with the underworld, and his eyes are often drawn with a subtle glow. His personality is the opposite of his brother Poseidon, who is arrogant and contemptuous. Hades is courteous, even to his enemies, and he shows genuine respect for human strength. This is best seen in his fight with Qin Shi Huang, where he listens to the emperor’s philosophy and acknowledges his skill. He also has a protective side, especially toward Zeus, and he is shown to be deeply affected by Poseidon’s death. This emotional depth makes him one of the more sympathetic gods in the series, a stark contrast to the often one-dimensional villains that populate the early rounds.
Why Hades Was Added to the Story
The creators of Record of Ragnarok introduced Hades to fill a narrative gap after Buddha’s betrayal. The gods needed a powerful fighter to replace him, and Hades’ connection to Poseidon provided a personal stake in the tournament. His addition also allowed the series to explore the Greek pantheon more deeply, since the early rounds had already featured Zeus, Poseidon, and Heracles. By making Hades the eldest brother, the manga created a new dynamic among the Greek gods, giving Zeus a figure to look up to and providing a contrast to Poseidon’s arrogance. Hades’ defeat also served to raise the stakes for the human side, showing that even the most composed and powerful gods could be beaten by human determination. His fight with Qin Shi Huang is often cited by fans as one of the best in the series, both for its choreography and its emotional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hades die in Record of Ragnarok?
Yes, Hades dies in the manga during his fight with Qin Shi Huang. After a long and brutal battle, Qin Shi Huang lands a final blow that kills Hades. The god accepts his defeat with dignity and praises his opponent before dying. This death is a major moment in the series, as it removes one of the most powerful gods from the tournament.
What is Hades’ weapon in Record of Ragnarok?
Hades uses a bident, a two-pronged spear, which he calls the Bident of Hades. This weapon is unique to the manga and is not from Greek mythology. In the series, it is said to be a divine weapon that can pierce anything, and Hades uses it to target his opponent’s vital points with surgical precision.
Is Hades stronger than Zeus in Record of Ragnarok?
The manga does not explicitly state who is stronger. Hades is portrayed as the eldest brother and is respected by Zeus, but Zeus is shown to be the most powerful god in the series, having defeated the Titan Cronus in his youth. Hades is certainly among the top-tier fighters, but a direct comparison is never made.
Why did Hades replace Buddha in the tournament?
Buddha defected to the human side, leaving the gods without a fighter for the eighth round. Hades volunteered to take his place, partly out of a desire to avenge Poseidon and partly to uphold the gods’ honor. The gods’ council initially hesitates, but Hades insists, and his request is granted.
Is Hades in the Record of Ragnarok anime?
As of the anime’s second season, Hades has not yet appeared. The anime has covered up to the sixth round, while Hades appears in the eighth round of the manga. He is expected to appear in a future season if the anime continues to adapt the manga.
Hades’ Legacy in the Series
Hades’ brief but impactful role in Record of Ragnarok has made him a fan favorite. His noble demeanor, tragic backstory, and impressive fighting skills have led to a large following, and his fight with Qin Shi Huang is often ranked among the series’ best. The manga’s portrayal of Hades has also influenced how some fans view the Greek god, blending the classical ruler of the dead with a warrior’s spirit. While the series takes many liberties with mythology, Hades’ characterization is a testament to the creators’ ability to reimagine ancient figures in fresh and compelling ways. For those interested in the series, Hades’ arc is a must-read, offering both action and emotional depth.
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