In Greek mythology, the underworld was the place where souls went after death. The underworld was ruled by the god Hades, but he had three judges to assist him in overseeing the dead and determining their fates. These judges were Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus.

Minos

Minos was the most famous of the three judges. He was the son of Zeus and Europa, and was the King of Crete. In the underworld, Minos was tasked with judging the deeds of the deceased during their lifetime. He would listen to the arguments of the dead and decide whether they should be sent to the Fields of Elysium, where the virtuous and heroic went after death, or to the depths of Tartarus, where the wicked and evil were punished.

Rhadamanthus

Rhadamanthus was the brother of Minos, and was also a son of Zeus. He was known for his fairness and wisdom, and was considered to be the most just of the three judges. In the underworld, Rhadamanthus was tasked with determining the specific punishment or reward that each soul received. He was also responsible for overseeing the execution of these punishments and rewards.

Aeacus

Aeacus was the third of the judges of the underworld. He was the son of Zeus and Aegina, and was the King of the island of Aegina. In the underworld, Aeacus was tasked with keeping the records of the dead, and making sure that each soul was judged fairly and justly. He was also responsible for maintaining order in the underworld, and ensuring that the punishments and rewards were carried out as intended.

The Three Judges

Together, the three judges of the underworld – Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus – helped Hades to rule the underworld and ensure that the souls of the dead were judged fairly and justly. Their roles were essential in maintaining order and balance in the afterlife.