Hades, the formidable ruler of the Underworld in Once Upon a Time, meets his end in Season 5, Episode 21, titled “Last Rites”. This episode marks a pivotal moment in the series, resolving numerous storylines and paving the way for the season’s dramatic conclusion.
The Dramatic Finale: Witnessing Hades’s Downfall
Hades’s death is not merely a plot point; it’s a culmination of his manipulative schemes, thwarted desires, and ultimately, his fatal misjudgment. The episode “Last Rites” showcases a confrontation brimming with tension, betrayal, and the power of true love. The context surrounding his death is crucial for understanding the impact it has on the other characters and the overall narrative.
The showdown takes place in Storybrooke, where Hades has followed Emma Swan and the other heroes. He aims to secure his control over the town, fueled by his obsession with Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West. However, his plans are complicated by Zelena’s growing affections for her daughter, Robin, and her increasing distrust of Hades’s increasingly unstable behavior.
The actual death occurs when Zelena chooses to protect Regina and her daughter, Robin, from Hades’s wrath. Using her magic, she effectively ends Hades’s life, preventing him from killing Regina. This act of defiance and love solidifies Zelena’s redemption arc and underscores the show’s recurring theme of good versus evil. The death is swift and decisive, leaving no room for resurrection, at least not within the parameters established in that season.
The immediate aftermath sees shock and relief ripple through the group. While some characters had deep-seated animosity towards Hades, others, like Zelena, grappled with complex emotions, having harbored genuine affection for him. This complexity adds a layer of emotional depth to the scene, preventing it from being a simple victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hades’s Fate
This section delves into the specifics surrounding Hades’s demise and his overall presence in Once Upon a Time.
Why Was Hades in Storybrooke?
Hades came to Storybrooke intending to conquer the town and establish it as his new kingdom. He was driven by his desire for power and his twisted idea of love with Zelena. He viewed Storybrooke as a fresh start, a place where he could escape the confines of the Underworld and finally achieve his ambitions. He used his manipulative tactics to try and achieve that goal.
What Was Hades’s Relationship with Zelena?
Hades and Zelena’s relationship was a complex mix of genuine affection and manipulative control. Hades claimed to love Zelena, but his actions often contradicted his words. He used her as a pawn in his schemes, exploiting her vulnerabilities and playing on her desire for love and acceptance. While Zelena initially reciprocated his feelings, she eventually realized the extent of his manipulation and ultimately chose to protect her family over him.
Did Hades Have Any Weaknesses?
While portrayed as a powerful and seemingly invincible being, Hades possessed weaknesses. One significant weakness was his emotional vulnerability, particularly concerning Zelena. His desire for her clouded his judgment and made him susceptible to manipulation. He was also susceptible to magical attacks, as demonstrated by Zelena’s ability to kill him. The series portrays all characters, no matter how powerful, as having some kind of weakness.
How Did Hades Get to the Underworld?
The series doesn’t explicitly detail how Hades came to rule the Underworld. However, it’s implied that he was banished there by Zeus, his brother, for his ambition and malevolence. His past relationship with Zeus and Poseidon highlights his origins as a powerful Olympian god. The circumstances of his banishment, though not fully explained, contribute to his character’s motivations and his thirst for power.
What Were Hades’s Powers?
Hades possessed a range of formidable powers, including control over fire, necromancy (raising the dead), and the ability to travel between realms. He also had manipulative abilities, allowing him to influence and control others. His power over fire was particularly significant, often used as a symbol of his destructive nature and control over the Underworld. He was a significant threat to anyone and everyone.
Did Hades Appear in Any Other Episodes After “Last Rites”?
While Hades dies in “Last Rites,” he briefly appears in subsequent episodes through flashbacks or as a hallucination, particularly in Zelena’s storyline. However, he doesn’t play an active role in the plot after his death. These appearances serve to further develop Zelena’s character and explore the lasting impact of their relationship.
What Was Hades’s Motivation for Killing Robin Hood?
While Hades ultimately didn’t kill Robin Hood directly (it was Regina who unintentionally transferred the curse to him), he was indirectly responsible for his death. Hades’s primary motivation was to eliminate anyone who stood in the way of his plans to conquer Storybrooke and to secure his relationship with Zelena. Robin Hood, as Regina’s soulmate, was a significant obstacle. He saw Robin as an annoyance.
Was Hades Really in Love with Zelena?
The nature of Hades’s love for Zelena is a subject of debate. While he expressed affection for her, his actions often suggested a more manipulative and self-serving motive. Some argue that he genuinely cared for Zelena, albeit in a twisted and possessive way. Others believe that he saw her as a means to an end, a tool to achieve his ambitions. The ambiguity surrounding his feelings adds complexity to their relationship.
How Did Zelena Gain the Power to Kill Hades?
Zelena’s ability to kill Hades stemmed from her powerful magic and her emotional connection to Regina and Robin. She used her powers, fueled by her love for her daughter and her loyalty to her sister, to overcome Hades’s defenses. This moment marked a significant turning point in her character arc, demonstrating her growth and her ability to prioritize good over evil.
Did Emma Swan Ever Directly Confront Hades?
Yes, Emma Swan had several confrontations with Hades. As the Savior, she was a primary obstacle to his plans, and he often targeted her and her loved ones. Their interactions were filled with tension and animosity, reflecting the clash between good and evil. She was the series primary heroine so it was only right she had a confrontation with one of the villians.
What Was the Significance of Hades’s Name?
The name “Hades” itself carries significant weight, drawing directly from Greek mythology. In mythology, Hades is the ruler of the Underworld, a realm of death and shadows. The show’s use of the name reinforces the character’s association with darkness, power, and the control of the deceased. This connection between the character and the mythology enhances the overall narrative and adds layers of meaning to his actions and motivations.
How Did Hades’s Death Impact Other Characters?
Hades’s death had a profound impact on various characters. For Zelena, it marked a turning point, solidifying her redemption and forcing her to confront her past. For Regina, it removed a significant threat and allowed her to move forward with Robin Hood (before his subsequent death). For Emma and the other heroes, it represented a victory against evil and a step towards restoring peace to Storybrooke. Overall, the death was a net positive for many characters in the show.
Conclusion: A Villain’s Exit, A Heroine’s Ascent
The death of Hades in “Last Rites” represents more than just the end of a villain. It signifies the triumph of love and redemption, showcasing the strength of familial bonds and the power of making difficult choices. The legacy of Hades continues to resonate throughout Once Upon a Time, reminding viewers of the constant struggle between darkness and light and the enduring impact of choices made.