Summary
Hades 2’s technical test revealed new characters, including some new Olympians. One of the Olympians who made her first appearance is Hestia, the goddess of the hearth. Hestia’s presence inHades 2brings a slew of implications in the game thanks to her role in Greek mythology and as one of the Olympians, the purpose of her cult and nature of her worship in Ancient Greece and Rome, and the thematic ties she has to the story ofHades 2.
Hestia’s intrinsic ties to the home are an important thematic link forHades 2, a story about Melinoe who is fighting to bring back her home and family. As Hestia confers her blessings on Melinoe on her quest, it should become clear throughoutHades 2’s story that Hestia’s involvement as the Olympians fight to protect their home, and as Melinoe fights to restore hers, is no accident.
References to Hestia’s Mythology in Hades 2
Hestia in Mythology
Hestia is the firstborn of the Titans Chronosand Rhea. Her younger siblings are Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. As the goddess of the hearth, she was depicted as a goddess who rarely left Olympus, and instead was a caretaker of the gods. Hestia was also one of the three virgin goddesses alongside Artemis and Athena, and the three goddesses were said to be the only three beings who Aphrodite, the goddess of love, had no power over.
ThoughHestia is known for never leaving Olympus, she’s considered one of the most important goddesses in both Ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally, all burned sacrifices were first made to Hestia because of her role as the goddess of the hearth, and her Roman counterpart, Vesta, had a temple in Rome with dedicated priestesses who kept her flame burning.
WhileHestia is one of the 12 Olympians, in some sources she’s replaced with Dionysus, where he’s depicted as a god who’s arrived from a far away land. Some early theories were that Dionysus was worshiped later than the other Olympians, where he then replaced Hestia, but early texts referencing Dionysus were discovered that dispute the theory.
Hestia and Dionysus in Across Hades and Hades 2
Regardless of why, the two gods are never depicted as a part of the 12 Olympians together, and Hestia’s presence inHades 2may mean thatDionysus may not be inHades 2. Dionysus was depicted in Hades, while Hestia didn’t appear (though she was mentioned), and her weapon, Exagryph or the Adamant Rail, was one of the Infernal Weapons available to Zagreus. Dionysus hasn’t been shown inHades 2yet, and may not make an appearance because of Hestia’s presence inHades 2if Supergiant Games keeps to this tradition. Alternatively, Dionysus may still make an appearance, and they could lampshade it in the text as an Easter egg for those in the know.
Hestia’s presence inHades 2makes sense on a thematic level, as her cult and worship were intrinsically linked to both women and the home. Vesta’s temple in ancient Rome was maintained exclusively by women, the Vestal Virgins, and forHades 2, where many of the goddesses, such as Melinoe, Hecate, Artemis, Selene, and Nemesis, are leading the battle against Chronos, and including Hestia is appropriate. More than that, though, is Hestia’s links to the hearth and home; both because the Olympians' home is being attacked, but also because Melinoe is fighting to get her home and family back. Having the goddess of the hearth bless Melinoe and give her support as she fights for her home is incredibly appropriate narratively.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you may brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
