What does Hades represent in Greek mythology?

Hades represents the Greek afterlife in mythology, specifically the realm where souls go after death. This underworld is distinct from the places of the living or the gods. In the context of Greek beliefs, Hades is not just a place; it is a complex system that includes different areas for souls, such as the Elysian Fields for the virtuous and Tartarus for the wicked. This concept of Hades encompasses both the place and the ruler of the afterlife, which is why it is most accurately associated with the idea of the Greek afterlife.

The other options pertain to different concepts or realms within Greek myth. The place of the living refers to the mortal world where humans exist and interact with one another, while the place of transition might suggest a liminal space, which does not directly align with the well-defined understanding of Hades. The place of the gods refers to Olympus, the home of the Olympian deities, which is separate from the underworld domain where Hades presides. These distinctions highlight why Hades is primarily identified with the afterlife in Greek mythology.