The Protogenoi (sing. Protogenos) also known as the Primordials, are the most ancient of deities in Greek mythology, being behind the creation of the world as we know it. In Hades and Hades II, the Primordial Chaos helps out Zagreus and Melinoë in their respective quests, while the Primordial Nyx is a major character, namely in the first game.
They are parents to the Titans and grandparents to the Olympians.
History[]
Origins[]
Chaos is the first living and divine being of all, born from the void. They created the majority of the world as we know it, as well as other entities, such as Nyx, that would come to rule different portions of their creations. They then stepped back and resigned themselves to the void from whence they came, deciding to be just a watcher of what transpires, causing a strain between their relationship with their daughter.
Nyx was assigned to the Underworld, which she shaped and ruled as its queen. She alone would birth a next generation of deities, each a personification of an abstract concept. Later, Hades would be assigned as King of the Underworld, letting Nyx resign from her position, but both kept a friendly and working relationship, aiding each other in the matters of the realm.
Ouranos, the Primodial of the Sky, ruled the world above alongside his wife Gaia, the Primordial of the Earth. From them both came the Titans, most notably Chronos, who, tired of the constant abuse and with his mother's help, overthrew his father and took his place as the new ruler of the world, initiating thus the so called "Golden Age".
By the events of Hades, most if not all of the Primordials in question have long-since chosen to quietly step down from their positions of authority and retired to their own domains effectively abandoning the world they created. One exception to this was the Primordial Nyx who continued to serve under Hades in the Underworld.
Hades[]
In Hades, Nyx is Zagreus' foster mother, having raised him in the stead of Persephone following the latter's leave. She alone confronted her daughters so that Zagreus could live, since he had died at birth initially. She was the one who contacted Athena and requested Olympus' aid in Zagreus' plight, claiming he wished to know and visit his family up above, while in truth he is searching for his birth mother.
Zagreus can come across Chaos, who although impartial in most matters, wishes to participate in his plight and see it through. Zagreus can also help Chaos and Nyx reconnect.
Before Hades II[]
Chronos, having been revived, wishes to overthrow his son and claim the Underworld, and then the whole world, back to himself. In this, he ends up imprisoning Nyx alongside other members of the House of Hades. To continue his plans, he seeks out Chaos, asking for the location of the Fates, as their meddling could be his downfall like before. Chaos, unaware of the deceit, reveals the Fates locations, leading to their kidnapping.
Hades II[]
In Hades II, Chaos offers their aid to Melinoë, hoping to fix what they inevitably caused and recover their daughter.
Known Primordials[]
In the games[]
- Chaos - Protogenos of the Void; Primordial Originator.
- Nyx - Protogenos of Night; Former Queen of the Underworld.
Mentioned Only[]
- Aether - Protogenos of Light.
- Ouranos - Protogenos of the Sky; King of the Primordials.
- Gaia - Protogenos of the Earth; Queen of the Primordials.
Trivia[]
- In Greek Mythology, Gaia is Ouranos' mother-wife. This likely was changed to her being only his wife.
- In Greek Mythology, Aether is either Nyx's brother or her son. It's currently unknown which version is present in the games.