Hades 2: Every Hidden Aspect’s Mythology, Explained

Similar to the first *Hades* game, *Hades 2* draws inspiration for its weapons from sources beyond Greek mythology. Just as Zagreus had unique Infernal Arms, Melinoë’s Nocturnal Arms each have a special, unlockable form that’s based on a powerful figure from a different mythology.

Players will likely recognize some of the hidden elements, but others will be completely new. Even familiar names might not reveal the full story behind them. Because these characters come from Greek mythology, players who are curious about the origins of these hidden elements will be motivated to learn more. This provides a great chance to explore myths and legends from different cultures and time periods.

Descura, The Witch’s Staff: Aspect of Anubis

The Egyptian Guide To The Afterlife

For those familiar with Egyptian mythology, Anubis is a well-known god with the head of a jackal. He oversees funerals, guides the souls of the dead, and protects tombs from being disturbed. In the famous story of Osiris, who was murdered by his brother Set, Anubis helped Isis prepare Osiris’ body for the afterlife. He was then entrusted with Osiris’ organs and guarded his body from Set’s attacks, establishing Anubis as the god of embalming and protector of the dead.

Anubis oversaw the crucial Weighing of the Heart ceremony, which determined if a person was worthy of the afterlife. The deceased’s heart was measured against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess representing truth and justice. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul could enter the afterlife. However, if the heart was heavy with sin, it was devoured by Ammit, a fearsome creature who punished the unworthy.

As a big fan of *Hades 2*, I was really intrigued by the way they introduce Anubis. His ‘waking phrase’ – the line Circe speaks to unlock him – is this hauntingly beautiful bit of dialogue: “I see you guarding graves of mortals passed into the black beyond.” It instantly clicked for me, because it perfectly captures Anubis’s traditional role as the protector of the dead and their tombs. And it’s not just the phrase – Circe also talks about a dream she had with a jackal-headed figure, which is a super cool nod to how Anubis is usually shown in ancient Egyptian art. It’s details like these that really make the world feel rich and considered.

Lim & Oros, The Sister Blades: Aspect of the Morrigan

The Irish Goddess of War and Fate

In Celtic mythology, the Morrigan is a powerful figure known for her connection to war, death, and battle. She’s often seen as a crow and is believed to encourage warriors while terrifying their opponents. Ultimately, she’s seen as a deciding force in the results of conflicts.

In Irish mythology, the Morrigan is married to the Dagda, the most important god. She features in many stories about Cú Chulainn, a famous hero. Cú Chulainn rejects her romantic advances and help during fights, which leads her to cause him trouble in battle. Despite this, he manages to wound her each time she appears in a different form. Eventually, the Morrigan foretells Cú Chulainn’s death, symbolically washing his bloodied armor to signal his fate.

Artemis identifies a key phrase associated with this aspect: “I see your threefold shadow with the Phantom Queen.” This phrase connects to the Morrigan, a goddess frequently depicted with three forms. Artemis notes that Hecate also embodies this triplicity, leading her to wonder if the two goddesses might be the same being.

Ygnium, The Umbral Flames: Aspect of Supay

An Andean Underworld Deity

Supay is a figure in the mythology of several South American cultures, especially the Inca and other groups in the Andes. He’s considered the ruler of the dead, overseeing the afterlife and the natural cycle of life and death. Similar to figures like Anubis or Charon in other mythologies, Supay acts as a guide, leading souls from the world of the living to the realm of the dead.

Supay is a powerful figure who rules Ukhu Pacha, a realm often compared to the Underworld, but one that also represents new beginnings and rebirth. He oversees the natural cycle of life and death. Because Ukhu Pacha lies beneath the earth, Supay also influences activities like mining and farming, impacting daily life. Often seen as frightening, he has the power to both create and destroy, and commands the spirits and demons that inhabit his underground realm.

Moros speaks this phrase when this aspect awakens: “I see your spirits glimmer as the metal underneath the earth.” It alludes to both the souls of the dead, which Supay controls, and the earthly materials he governs.

Zorephet, The Moonstone Axe: Aspect of Nergal

The Mesopotamian God of Death

Nergal is a god players of *Hades 2* might not be familiar with. Originating from ancient Mesopotamia – one of the world’s oldest civilizations – he ruled the Underworld alongside his wife, Ereshkigal. Nergal was associated with war and disease, and considered the god of deaths caused by these events.

Nergal is generally seen as a fierce and disruptive god. Stories tell of him becoming bored with peace and actively starting wars and chaos to remind people of his power. He unleashed a period of terror, trying to upset the natural order of the universe until Ishum, his divine attendant, intervened and stopped him. While feared, Nergal also commands respect because of his immense power.

When Zorephet awakens, Charon speaks a phrase – a phrase Melinoë mysteriously understands: “I see you hoard the shattered corpses of your foes.” This statement perfectly reflects Nergal’s role as a god of death and devastation.

Revaal, The Argent Skull: Aspect of Hel

Goddess of the Norse Underworld

In Norse mythology, ‘Hel’ is the name of both the underworld itself and the goddess who rules it. While Norse tradition includes several realms for the dead, most people ended up in Hel. Contrary to modern ideas, Hel wasn’t a place of punishment or reward; the dead simply continued their lives as they had before.

I’ve always been captivated by Hel. She’s this incredibly powerful, almost frightening figure, and artists often portray her in a really striking way – half beautiful, living woman, and half decaying corpse. What I find most interesting is that she isn’t necessarily *evil*. She’s just… inevitable, like death itself. She rules over the dead with a kind of detached calm, not out of malice, but simply because that’s her role.

Medea speaks a haunting line: “I see you gather countless dead in cold and dark domains.” She says this came to her in a dream about another Underworld ruled by a powerful queen. This dream strongly reminds her of the goddess Hel and the bleak world she governs.

Xinth, The Black Coat: Aspect of Shiva

The Hindu God of Destruction

In Hinduism, Shiva is a major god and one of the most worshipped. He’s considered part of a divine trinity alongside Brahma and Vishnu, who represent creation, preservation, and destruction respectively, with Shiva embodying the force of destruction and transformation.

While often called “The Destroyer,” Shiva is a far more complex figure. In the Shaivism tradition – a major branch of Hinduism – he’s considered the ultimate reality, both the creator and everything that is created, encompassing both beginnings and endings. Despite his powerful and sometimes frightening image, Shiva is also the source of yoga and a supporter of meditation. He’s revered not only for defeating evil, but also for his connection to art and healing.

The phrase “I see you bring bliss and destruction in your outstretched arms” – inspired by Selene – captures the duality of Shiva, acknowledging both his kindness and power. It also alludes to the common imagery of Shiva with four arms.

2025-10-16 15:07