Judgement upon death is an important aspect of most of the world’s religions today. In most cases judgement can be simplified into one based on those that have done good with their lives, who are said to go to a version of heaven, whilst those who have done bad will go to hell. It is a concept that stretches back throughout the history of mankind, and even in Greek mythology there were judges of the underworld.

There are generally considered to be three judges of the Underworld, Rhadamanthus, Aeacus and Minos, although some sources at one point were quoted as saying Rhadamanthus was the sole decision maker.

In Greek mythology, upon death Hermes would come to collect the soul of the decease and lead them into Hades. Charon would be there, waiting to transport them across the River Acheron. Those that had not been buried with the proper funeral rites, including the placement of coins between their lips, could though not pay for passage, and were left to wander aimlessly along the banks of the river.

Those souls that crossed the river would then pass by Cerberus, before coming into the presence of the three judges. Rhadamanthus was said to judge the souls from Asia, Aeacus would pass judgement on those from Europe and Minos would have a deciding vote in case of dispute. Those judged to have done overwhelming good in their lives would pass to go Elysium, the Islands of the Blessed; a version of paradise where all heroes lived. Those who lives were full of bad deeds though were sent to Tartarus. The judges though could also make a third decision where good and evil balanced each other out, then souls were sent to the Fields of Asphodel, a place of aimless and monotonous existence.

Rhadamanthus, Aeacus and Minos, were appointed to the roles of judges by Zeus, indeed all three were demi-gods, sons of Zeus. There are obvious reasons why Rhadamanthus and Aeacus were chosen, all the case for Minos is not so clear cut.

Rhadamanthus was born following the relationship between Zeus and the princess Europa. One of three brothers, alongside Minos and Sarpedon, it is said that Rhadamanthus was once the king of Crete, although like Sarpedon was forced to flee when Minos sought to take control. Rhadamanthus went to Ocaleia in Boeotia, and became ruler there. During his lifetime though, he was famous for his fairness and his honesty in all of his decisions, making him the ideal judge of man. Upon his death, Rhadamanthus was appointed Lord of Elysium.

Aeacus was another son of Zeus, born after the god carried off Aegina, a water nymph. Aeacus became king of the island that was known by his mother’s name. Aeacus was a just and pious ruler, and was recognised as such from beyond his realm. During his lifetime his judgements were sought out by others outside of his kingdom. Once descended into Hades, Aeacus was given the responsibility of looking after the keys of the realm.

The third judge, Minos, is perhaps the most famous of the judges. The Cretan king is in particular connected with the legend of the Minotaur, and the inventions of Daedalus. Minos was certainly a clever king, but was also known as a cruel one. It was he that drove his brothers out of Crete, and also forced Athens to send sacrifices to the Minotaur. He was though chosen by Zeus to sit alongside the other two judges to decide the fate of departed souls.

In many religions there is normally simply heaven or hell, but in Greek mythology there is three possibilities, three of course being an important number in ancient Greece. There is a belief though that by offering only one really good prospect, out of three, for the departed that more people would choose to be heroic and ensure that good actions were always more important than the indifferent or bad.