-H-
Hades
- Greek king of the Underworld, brother of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Demeter.
Hades is one of the six Olympians. He and his brothers divided creation
into thirds and each took a portion for their own. Hades chose, as his
dominion, the Underworld. When mortals kneel before the cold hearted
Hades, he metes out somber justice and no one, once there, can never leave his
domain (except, of course, Herakles and Odysseus). The story of the
abduction of Persephone is a touching explanation for the harshness of Winter
and the sweetness of Spring. Hades was so overwhelmed by Persephone's
sweet charms that, instead of wooing her, he abducted her against her will and
dragged her to the Underworld. Demeter cursed the earth with famine when
Zeus would not force Hades to free her daughter. Zeus worried that this
would be the end of mortal life on earth and thus, his worshipers would die.
So it was decreed by Zeus that Persephone would spend two thirds of the year
with her mother and the remaining third with her husband, Hades. Each year
when Persephone returns from the Underworld, Demeter showers the earth with
gentle rain and sweet breezes. Each time Persephone returns to Hades,
Demeter hardens her heart and the earth is wracked with bitter cold and harsh
winds, Corresponds with the Roman God, Pluto.
Hapi - "Runner" The Egyptian God of the Nile.
Hapy - "Runner" Another of the Egyptian Four Sons of Horus; he
guarded the lungs of the deceased.
Hathor - "House of Horus" The Egyptian Goddess of love, beauty,
music, sky and women. She has the head of a cow and wears the lunar horns
and full moon on her head.
Hecate (Hekat) - Greek Goddess of the moon, mysteries, witchcraft, crossroads
and spirits. The moon in her Crone aspect. Hecate represented its
darkness and its terrors. She brings good luck to sailors and hunters or
can withhold these blessings if undeserved, so fear became a motivating factor
in her worship. Because of her unearthly aspect she is regarded as a kind
of Queen of Witches. Associated with cobras and the phoenix.
Heimdall (Heimdal) - Norse Asa-God of light and the rainbow, "The White
God;" he is the guardian of Bifrost bridge. He stands at the gate and
is brilliant in white armor. His teeht are gold. He has a great
sword. He is a fierce warrior and very handsome. He has super-sight
and super-hearing. He is called "the Son of the Waves" because
he was born from the Nine Waves (Aegir's daughters) by Odin's enchantment.
The name Heimdall means "Heaven's Mount."
Hel (Hela) - Norse giant Goddess of death and the Underworld which takes her
name. She rules Helheimr Gniprhel, Niflehel (one of the nine worlds), the
home of the dead who have not died in battle. She was sent into Nifiheim
by Odin, who gave her authority over life in the nine worlds, on the
condition that she shared all her provisions with those who were sent to her,
those who die from disease or old age. She has a great homestead there
with extraordinarily high walls and huge gates. She is the daughter of
Angr-boda and Loki, sister to Jormungand, Fenrir and Narfi. She is
described as half black, half flesh-covered.
Hephaestus - Greek God of fire, smiths and artisans: Son of Zeus and Hera.
Corresponds to the Roman God Vulcan.
Hera - Greek protectress of marriage, married women, birth, children, and the
home. Queen of Heaven. Both Zeus's wife and sister, Hera wanders
through Greek mythology, always a betrayed wife, torturing young girls because
of their affairs with her husband. Corresponds to the Roman Goddess Juno.
Associated with peacocks.
Herakles - Greek hero of heroes. The beloved son of Zeus and, the mortal
Alcmene, Herakles was the archetype for bravery and living proof that
might-makes-right. According to Hesiod, Alcmene bore two sons, not twins
but brothers by blood. Herakles was fathered by Zeus and Iphikles was
fathered by Alcmene's lawful husband, Amphitryon. Corresponds to the Roman
God, Hercules.
Hercules - Roman hero of heroes. Corresponds to the Greek God, Herakles.
Hermes - Greek God. Zeus' messenger to mortals, protector of flocks and
cattle, of thieves and mischief-makers, and guardian of wayfarers. Hermes
is identified by his broad-rimmed hat, winged sandals, and a herald's staff
entwined with snakes. He is also the patron of commerce and orators and
writers as well. Corresponds to the Roman God Mercury.
Hermod (Hermodh) - Norse Asa Messenger of the Gods. The brave Hermod is
the son of Odin and Frigg. The name Hermod means "Fast."
Hestia - Greek Goddess of home and hearth. She is the eldest sister of
Zeus but she chose to spend her time, not on Olympus, but on earth with the
mortals. She has never wed but she protects orphans and missing children.
She is the Goddess of humble domestic joy. She is also one of only three
who are immune to the spell of Aphrodite, the other two are Athena and Artemis.
In the Homeric Hymns, Hestia is said to tend the dwelling of Apollo at Pytho.
Also, she is linked with Hermes in the Hymns. She and Hermes were kind to
the poor mortals, and, in gratitude, her worshipers would sing:
"There could be no feast of plenty if the first and last libations of sweet
wine were not poured in honor of Hestia." Corresponds to the Roman
Goddess Vesta.
Hod (Hodur) - Norse God son of Odin and Frigg. God of winter and darkness,
twin of Balder. Hodur means "War."
Hoenir (Honir, Hoenu) - Norse Asa-God; a great warrior but not clever.
Called "The Silent One," he displayed aggressiveness and bravery.
He was one of the Gods that was present at the creation of man (the other two
were Lodur and Odin).
Horae - Roman Goddess who organize the seasons and adding balance to nature.
Correspond to the Greek Goddess, the Hours.
Horus - "High Above" The Egyptian falcon-God of the sun and the
Pharaohs.
Hours - There are three Hours: Eunomia (Harmony), Dyke (Justice) and
Eirene (Peace). The Hours assist the Olympians by organizing the seasons
and adding balance to nature. They correspond to the Roman Goddess, the
Horae.
Hun Kak - "Unique Fire" They Mayan Divine Fire that consumes all
what ever remains is prepared for Divinity.
Hunab Ku - "All powerful Mayan God of no Image."
Hunahpu - See Xbalanque and Hunahpu.
Hygea - Greek Goddess of health.
Hypnos - God of sleep.
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