Supergiant Games has released a number of uniquely original games over the years, butHadeswas arguably its developer’s biggest hit. The 2020 roguelike came out of Early Access and wowed fans with fluid combat, strong world design, and an engaging narrative, so fans were pleased when it was announced thatHades 2is in development. This may have been a surprise from a studio that has only ever released standalone IPs until now, butHades 2seemed inevitable after the success of the first. Although there’s a new protagonist,Hades 2retains a lot of the elements from the first game, like its ties to Greek mythology.
Unsurprising for a game named after the Greek god of the dead, mythology and ancient religious aspects thread all the way throughHades, forming the basis for its narrative and settings. Supergiant Games has put its own clever twist on some of the most well-known stories and figures of the Greek canon, andHadesis fit to bursting with references to characters that loom large in narrative classics like theIliad. As a follow-up to that text, theOdysseyseems likea perfect companion toHades 2.
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Hades' Connections With the Iliad
TheIliadis one of the oldest surviving works of literature, and it’s impressive when audiences consider how much this piece has influenced subsequent fictional works. Even if someone has not read theIliad, they will likely be familiar with some of the most famous faces featured in the tale, like the Trojan princes Paris and Hector, the mythically beautiful Helen, and the skilled hero Achilles. Chronicling the last years of the Trojan War,theIliadis a who’s who of Greek heroes and villains, and it’s a tale thatHadescouldn’t ignore in its attempts to bring the mythos to life.
While not all the major players in theIliad’s narrative make an appearance inHades, one or two do crop up from the epic poem. Most notable are Achilles and Patroclus, the ill-fated lovers who both lose their lives during the conflict. Serving as Zagreus' mentor and trainer inHades, the game continues the story of the slain Achilles after his descent into the underworld, and even gives players the chanceto finally reunite Achilles with Patroclusafter the events of theIliad.
How Hades 2 Could Similarly Use The Odyssey
If theIliadis the definitive story of the Trojan War, thentheOdysseyis the definitive tale of its aftermath. Both attributed to the Greek poet Homer, while theIliadhas more of an ensemble cast, theOdysseyfocuses mostly on a single hero: Odysseus. WithHades' references to prominent figures in theIliadlike Achilles and Patroclus, it would make sense forHades 2to contain characters from theOdyssey. Particularly as theOdysseyserves as a sort-of sequel to theIliad, so too isHades 2a tangential follow-up to the first game.
There are a couple of obvious figures who would be right at home in the world ofHades 2, like the extremely resourceful aforementioned hero, Odysseus. The Ithacan king and favorite of Athena makes his own journey into the underworld and meets many deceased heroes of the Trojan War like Achilles, as well as the prophet Tiresias. There’s also Circe, the enchantress and minor goddess who Odysseus and his crew encounter on their lengthy voyage home. In some myths, Circe is the daughter ofHecate, the goddess of witchcraftthat players already know will be making an appearance inHades 2.
