The rogue-like indie game Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, was a surprise hit and took the gaming world by storm, even in mainstream gaming spaces. A large part of that could be attributed to the story and characters, drawn from 3,000 years of mythological tradition. The story and characters centered on a family made the extraordinary cast and setting more grounded than some may expect from a story set in the Underworld that features the personification of Death, a floating gorgon head, and the shades of long-dead heroes as primary characters. While this focus on family proved to be popular, Hades 2 already promises to move the series' plot in a different direction.
Hades 2's protagonist is Melinoe, the daughter of Persephone and Hades, and the sister of Zagreus. Unlike Zagreus, Melinoe was raised on the surface rather than in the Underworld, and her mentor is Hecate, the goddess of crossroads and magic. Like Zagreus, not much is known about Melinoe's role in Greek mythology as there aren't many sources that reference her. Texts that do mention Melinoe describe her as associated with the moon as a bringer of nightmares and shadows and -- because of her close relationship to both Hades and Persephone -- she's closely associated with the Underworld.
Hades 2's Story is All About the 'Student and Teacher' Trope
Melinoe has a notable connection to Hecate in mythology, however. It's this relationship that's most prominent in the Hades 2 trailer that revealed Hecate. The pair appear to share a close relationship as student and teacher, which may be the relationship that Hades 2 will explore, rather than Hades' exploration of family dynamics and the pains or joys that come with it.
The theme of student and teacher was seen in Zagreus' relationship with the dead hero Achilles, a dynamic that received a positive reception from fans and critics, and it makes sense for Supergiant Games to expand on that theme in Hades 2. It doesn't seem likely that Melinoe's home base will be located in the Underworld, and without the spirit of a dead hero from Greek myth to serve as a mentor, it seems as if that role is going to fall on Hecate.
Much like how the theme of family was echoed throughout Hades in Zagreus' relationships with Hades, Persephone, Nyx, and the various Olympians, Hades 2's theme of student and teacher relationships could be echoed through the other gods and shades in the game. Melinoe may acquire various mentor figures in Hades 2, achieve growth in the game, and perhaps become a mentor to her own student.
Hades 2 Features Some New Faces
With no mention of Zagreus or Persephone, and Hades seemingly out of action for the most part of Hades 2, it looks like Melinoe is going to have to rely on connections outside of her immediate family, such as the Olympian gods she meets. It's a compelling idea and a good move to make Hades 2's story distinct from Hades, while still keeping the elements of the story that made the first game so popular.
Hades 2 is also an opportunity to get to know other deities from Greek mythology that weren't featured in Hades, including Hecate, who promises to be an intriguing character. Hecate's role as the goddess of magic and witchcraft can bring interesting combat for Melinoe, and her role in relation to the Olympians is worth exploring.
Another character in Hades 2 who was missing in its predecessor is Apollo. One of the main Olympians, Apollo is the twin brother of Artemis, and the god of the sun, music, poetry, and archery, among many other things. His exclusion in Hades was very notable, so players are eagerly anticipating his role in Melinoe's story.
Hades 2 is in development.