Explanation of all hidden aspects of the myth

Like the previous work, hades 2 You're not limited to Greek mythology when it comes to inspiring weapon designs. Like the Infernal Arms of Zagreus, each of Melinoë's Nocturnal Arms has a “hidden aspect” that can be unlocked, each referencing a powerful mythological figure originating outside of the Greek canon.

Players may recognize the names of some hidden aspects and not others. Although some names may be familiar, players may not know the stories behind them. Because the characters in the game are from Greek mythology, not much is known about the names of the hidden aspects, forcing curious players to search for knowledge on their own. It's the perfect opportunity to learn more about mythology from around the world and throughout history.

Witch's Staff Descura: Statue of Anubis

Egypt's Guide to the Afterlife

Anubis will be a familiar name to players interested in Egyptian mythology. The jackal-headed god presides over funerals and the souls of the dead, and protects tombs from desecration. In the Osiris myth, which tells the story of the god-king's murder by his brother Set, Anubis assisted Isis with the embalming of Osiris. Afterwards, Anubis received Osiris' organs as a gift and protected Osiris' body from Set's attempts to destroy it, making him the patron of embalming and protector of the dead.

Anubis is also responsible for weighing the heart, one of the most important steps in post-death judgment. The hearts of departed souls are weighed down by the white feathers of Ma'at, the goddess of truth, order, and morality. Those who pass the test can enter the afterlife, and those who do not will be eaten by Ammit, the ‘devourer of the dead.’

in hades 2The waking phrase for this aspect is used by Circe. “I see you guarding the tombs of mortals who have passed beyond the darkness.” This reflects Anubis' role as guardian of the dead and the tombs. Circe also mentions a dream in which a jackal-headed figure appeared to her, referencing the way Anubis was often depicted in Egyptian art.

Lim & Oros, Sister Blades: Aspect of the Morrigan

Irish goddess of war and fate

The Morrigan is one of the most prominent figures in Celtic mythology, most often associated with prophecies of war, death, and battle. Often taking the form of a raven, she inspires courage in warriors, strikes fear into the hearts of enemies, and presides over the outcome of battle.

The Morrigan is the wife of the Dagda, the supreme god of Irish mythology, and appears in several stories of Cú Chulainn, one of the most famous heroes of Irish mythology. Cú Chulainn drives her away by rejecting her love and help in battle, and she hinders him slightly in battle. But he can still hurt her in whatever form she takes. Later, the Morrigan prophesies the death of Cú Chulainn, washing his bloody armor as a sign that he is destined to die in battle.

The awakening phrase for this aspect is provided by Artemis: “I see your triple shadow with the Phantom Queen.” This title is often associated with the Morrigan in mythology, and she is often seen as a goddess with three aspects. Artemis shares this sense of triplicity with Hecate and says she ponders whether they are one and the same.

Ygnium, The Umbral Flames: Aspect of Sufei

God of the Andean underworld

Supay is found in several South American mythological traditions, but is most associated with the Inca people and other Andean cultures. He has power over the souls of the dead, the afterlife, and the cycle of life and death. Like Anubis and Charon, Supay is a psychopath who guides souls from the land of the living to the land of the dead.

Supay rules over Ukhu Pacha, a realm similar to the Underworld. However, Ukhu Pacha is associated not only with death but also with new life. Death and birth are a cycle, and Supay is the overseer of that cycle. Because the realm is underground, Supay is also associated with ventures such as mining and agriculture, so his influence extends into everyday life. He is often a fearsome figure with the power to give life and take life, and commands the spirits and demons that call Ukhu Pacha home.

Moros's awakening phrase for this aspect is: “I see your soul shining like the metal beneath the ground.” This references both the souls of the dead, whom Supay rules over, and the matter of the Earth, which he rules over.

Jorephet, Moonstone Ax: Aspect of Nergal

Mesopotamian god of death

Nergal is another god. hades 2 Players may not have heard of it. In the Mesopotamian civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in recorded history, he was one of the rulers of the underworld along with his wife Ereshkigal. It is related to war and disease, and is the god of death that occurs as a result of those disasters.

Nergal generally has a more violent nature and is the cause of disorder and conflict. One myth details how, dissatisfied with his tranquil state, he started a war and sought to create violent chaos to regain the respect of humans. He began a reign of terror and attempted to destroy the cosmic order before his god Ishum could put a stop to his rampage. Nergal is a feared god, but he is also greatly respected for the power he wields.

Zorephet's waking phrases are “spoken” by Charon, which Melinoë somehow understands. “I saw you stockpiling the broken corpses of your enemies.” It suits Nergal's nature as a bringer of death and destruction.

Revaal, Silver Skull: Aspect of Hel

Norse goddess of the underworld

In Norse mythology, the name “Hel” refers both to the realm of the underworld itself and to the goddess who presides over that realm. There are several lands of the dead in Norse tradition, but the most common place where the dead meet their end is Hel. Despite our association with the word today, Norse Hel was a fairly ordinary place. The soul was not punished or rewarded, but rather continued as it had in life.

Hel himself was a fierce and sinister figure. She is often depicted with a half-living body, with the face of a lovely woman, or with a half-dead body, with the face of a rotting corpse. Like the concept of death itself, she is neither inherently cruel nor kind, but is simply a being who rules over the dead with unmoving indifference.

Medea is the one who speaks the awakening phrase for this aspect. “I saw the dead gathering in countless numbers in the cold, dark realm.” She says this phrase came from a dream about another underworld with a fierce queen. This is associated with the goddess Hel, as is the description of the desolate realm.

Xinth, The Black Coat: Aspect of Shiva

Hindu god of destruction

Shiva is the main deity of Hinduism and one of the most important and widely revered gods in Hinduism. Together with Brahma and Vishnu, it is part of the Trinity representing the powers of creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Shiva).

He may be known by his nickname “the Destroyer,” but there is much more to Shiva than that. The Shava tradition, one of the four major sects of Hinduism, considers him to be the Supreme Being, the creator and creator, the beginning and the end. Despite his fearsome title, he is also the founder of the practice of yoga and the patron of meditation. He is as involved with art and medicine as he is with slaying demons.

Aspects of Shiva's waking phrases came from Selene. “I see you bringing happiness and destruction with your outstretched arms.” This refers to both Shiva's benevolent and fearsome nature and how he is often depicted with four arms.