Hades 2: Every New Greek God Confirmed

Supergiant Games recently announced the godlike roguelike sequel Hades 2, and the exciting follow-up will introduce even more Greek gods to fight against or alongside. As Supergiant’s first sequel, Hades 2 will take place after the events of the first game while following a unique new mythological protagonist. The original Hades contained a wide range of unique Olympian and Chthonic gods as both allies and bosses, and the upcoming sequel will further expand this colorful cast.

Supergiant Games’ Hades blends roguelike gameplay and Greek mythology as Zagreus, the Prince of the Underworld, repeatedly fights to escape the realm of the dead. Some Chthonic gods stand in his way, including Zag’s own father Hades, while others like Nyx and Thanatos serve as allies. During each escape attempt players also receive Boons, which enhance Zagreus’ arsenal of powers, from the regal Olympian gods. Iconic Greek figures like Zeus, Athena and Poseidon reach down from the heavens to provide aid in the original Hades, and now a new protagonist will join forces with an even larger cast of deities on a brand-new mythic quest.

Melinoë Is The New Protagonist Of Hades 2

The breathtaking Hades 2 reveal trailer showcases multiple new gods, but the sequel’s new protagonist Melinoë is the most fascinating new face. A Hades 2 FAQ posted by Supergiant Games reveals that the newly-introduced Princess of the Underworld is an immortal witch with powerful magical abilities and deadly skill with weapons. Melinoë is the sister of Zagreus from the first game, which is evidenced by her similarly colored eyes and leafy headband. Hades 2 interprets the Princess of the Underworld as a student of the witch Hecate, and her goal is to slay her Titan grandfather Chronos after his escape from the Underworld.

Like Zagreus before her, Melinoë is an actual figure referenced in the legends of Greek mythology. Little is recorded about the Chthonic nymph other than her association with nightmares, madness and the moon, which many explain the moon’s prominent presence in the Hades 2 trailer. This ambiguity surrounding Melinoë lets the Hades sequel make new stories and myths without breaking established Greek mythological canon. Melinoë is sometimes even interpreted as an alternate name for Hecate, which explains the relationship between the two Chthonic figures in Hades 2.

Hades 2 Makes Hecate A Powerful Magic Mentor

Alongside Melinoë, the trailer for Hades 2 prominently features the Greek goddess of witchcraft Hecate. The gorgeous animated trailer sees Melinoë and Hecate locked in brutal combat, though the battle is eventually revealed to be a mere training exercise. The Hades 2 FAQ confirms that Hecate will be aiding the Princess of the Underworld in her quest to slay Chronos, possibly serving as a figure similar to Nyx or Apollo from the first Hades. The twin torches Hecate uses to battle Melinoë are taken directly from classical depictions of the influential Underworld goddess, too.

Hecate plays a prominent role in Greek myth, making her one of the most important Greek characters Hades left out, and her spheres of influence also tie closely into the themes of Hades 2. The secretive goddess of witchcraft and crossroads appears in several stories involving Hades and the Underworld, notably aiding Demeter in the search for her missing daughter Persephone. This makes Hecate a logical ally for Melinoë, considering Persephone and Hades are the heroine’s parents.

Chronos Is The Big Bad Of Hades 2

While Hecate will be a mentor to Melinoë, Hades 2 will feature the Titan of Time Chronos as its main antagonist. Once the ruler of the Titans, the powerful deity is the father of major Greek gods like Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. Chronos ate each of his children so they could never overthrow him, but Zeus eventually defeated him and locked him in the Underworld. Hades 2 will see Chronos escape his eternal imprisonment to wage war on Olympus, with Melinoë fighting to stop her tyrannical grandfather.

While Hades depicts Greek mythology authentically for the most part, Hades 2 seems to combine the Titan Cronos with the personification of time Chronos. Over time the two figures have been conflated into the popular image of “Father Time,” but they were originally two distinct Greek deities. However, Hades 2 making Chronos the Titan of Time will likely make him an even more unique and intimidating boss at the end of a roguelike runthrough. Given his role as the original ruler of the world, Chronos has the potential to put up an even tougher fight than his son Hades before him.

Moros & Nemesis Are Additional Children Of Nyx

The first Hades gave Zagreus many Chthonic allies, including Nyx and her children Thanatos and Hypnos. Hades 2 will introduce even more members of this large Underworld family in the form of Nyx’s additional children Moros and Nemesis. In the Greek mythology that inspired Hades Moros is the personified spirit of impending doom, while Nemesis is a figure who delivers retribution to those who commit hubris towards the gods. In Hades 2 Moros and Nemesis appear to be NPCs that Melinoë interacts with, though they may also serve as bosses or help her on her journey as companions.

Apollo Finally Shines In Hades 2

The original Hades featured nine Olympians that granted players various Boons, and Hades 2 will introduce even more. The only additional Olympic god teased so far is Apollo, the youthful Greek God of Light and twin brother of Artemis. Befitting his sphere of influence, Apollo appears to offer Melinoë Boons that can daze enemies with light or make attacks affect a larger area. Rather than introduce other pantheons in Hades 2, the sequel will apparently feature more than a dozen Greek gods to aid in the battle against Chronos. This will include returning faces like Zeus and new legends like Apollo.

Hades 2 Introduces The Iconic Greek Figure Dora

The Hades 2 trailer also features a “Listless Shade” named Dora, who fans of Greek mythology may infer to be Pandora. The first human woman was crafted by Hephaestus on the orders of Zeus, and she subsequently released evil into the world by opening a jar or box. Little else is said of Pandora in the pages of Greek myth, though her later life is briefly detailed in texts like the Bibliotheca. Hades 2’s representation of Pandora as the mere shade Dora is similar to Medusa’s role in the first game, wherein she is a simple decapitated Gorgon head named Dusa.

By serving as a direct sequel to the first game, Hades 2 breaks a Supergiant Games trend and expands upon the gorgeous Underworld of the first game. The sequel will apparently bring back Chthonic and Olympian gods from the first game, but it will also introduce brand-new Greek figures that were left out of the previous installment. Hecate is set up to be a staunch mentor to Melinoë as she journeys to kill Chronos, and Apollo will lend aid from the peak of Mount Olympus. Other mythic characters like Nemesis, Moros and Dora will help round out the colorful cast of Hades 2 when players head back to Hell.