Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades

From the Anglo-Hellenic League Runciman award-nominated author of Greek Mythology: Gods of Mount Olympus, comes the next descent into the ancient world's most mysterious realm. Descend into the shadowed heart of Greek mythology—where silence rules, judgment endures, and death becomes transformation. From the throne of Hades to the chambers of Tartarus, Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades unveils the mysteries of the Underworld in vivid, cinematic detail. The second volume in the Greek Mythology series continues the journey that began with Gods of Mount Olympus, guiding readers through the sacred architecture of the Greek afterlife—its gods, realms, guardians, and unbreakable laws. Through evocative prose and reverent storytelling, Defosse explores how the ancient Greeks understood death not as an ending, but as a passage—a continuation shaped by divine justice and immortal order. Within these pages, mortals and gods meet at the threshold of eternity, where oaths are binding, love defies fate, and the silence of the dead still speaks. Inside you will discover: The myths and origins of Hades, Persephone, Charon, and the Judges of the Dead The geography of the Underworld—rivers, gates, and shadowed realms that shape the soul's journey Heroic descents by Orpheus, Heracles, and Odysseus—and what they reveal about destiny and redemption The balance between judgment, punishment, and renewal within the chthonic world How Persephone's descent and return gave birth to the seasons and symbolized eternal rebirth Tartarus, Elysium, and the Asphodel Meadows—where the soul's fate is revealed Featuring striking black-and-white illustrations in the timeless, sculptural style of Michelangelo, this edition brings the ancient world's most haunting myths to life with depth, artistry, and historical fidelity. Perfect for: Readers of Book I, Greek Mythology: Gods of Mount Olympus, who are seeking the next chapter of the series Fans of Stephen Fry's Mythos, Madeline Miller's Circe, and Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology Students, educators, and lifelong learners of ancient history, religion, and philosophy Readers drawn to mythological retellings that unite beauty, justice, and the mystery of the afterlife A masterwork for readers seeking Greek mythology books for adults, this volume brings to life the ancient Greek gods and legends that shaped humanity's earliest vision of death, rebirth, and the immortal soul. Greek Mythology: Kingdom of Hades is both a descent and a revelation—an exploration of what the ancient Greeks believed awaited in the afterlife. Step through the gates of shadow… and witness where myth, memory, and eternity converge.