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Does Thanatos Have a Crush on Zagreus? A Deep Dive into the Hades Romance

Yes, Thanatos does have a crush on Zagreus in the critically acclaimed video game Hades. The game explicitly confirms this, culminating in a scene where Zagreus can choose to either pursue a romantic relationship with Thanatos or remain friends. Unlike some other characters, Thanatos harbors genuine romantic feelings for the protagonist, making him a significant and beloved romance option for players.

Understanding the Thanatos-Zagreus Dynamic

The relationship between Thanatos, the personification of death, and Zagreus, the rebellious prince of the Underworld, is one of the most compelling aspects of Hades. Their connection is built on a foundation of shared history, mutual respect, and a simmering romantic tension that players can actively explore. From their initial encounters hunting shades together to the intimate moments shared in Zagreus’s room, the game masterfully portrays the development of their feelings.

Initial Encounters and Shared Duties

Zagreus and Thanatos have known each other for a long time, likely for centuries. Their shared duties in the Underworld bring them into frequent contact. Thanatos often appears in the various chambers to aid Zagreus, competing with him to see who can eliminate more enemies. These encounters showcase their camaraderie, competitive spirit, and underlying affection. It’s evident that Thanatos respects Zagreus’s strength and determination, even when he disapproves of his repeated attempts to escape.

The Unveiling of Romantic Feelings

As Zagreus strengthens his bond with Thanatos by gifting him Nectar and Ambrosia, the depth of Thanatos’s feelings becomes increasingly clear. His dialogue hints at a deeper connection, and his interactions with Zagreus become warmer and more personal. The culmination of this relationship occurs when Thanatos appears in Zagreus’s room. This crucial scene gives Zagreus the choice to reciprocate Thanatos’s romantic advances, cementing their relationship, or to remain platonic friends.

The Romance Option

The choice to pursue a romance with Thanatos is a significant one. If Zagreus chooses to “smooch” Thanatos, the game portrays a loving and supportive relationship. Both characters continue to aid each other, and their dialogue reflects a deeper level of intimacy. The relationship is also notable because Hades allows for polyamorous relationships, meaning Zagreus can romance Thanatos, Dusa, and Megaera simultaneously without negative consequences. This inclusive approach to romance is a defining characteristic of the game.

The Significance of Thanatos as a Romance Option

Thanatos’s availability as a romance option is significant because it normalizes and celebrates same-sex relationships within the game’s narrative. Zagreus is explicitly presented as pansexual, and the game embraces LGBTQIA+ representation through its characters and storylines. This inclusive approach has been praised by players and critics alike, contributing to the game’s widespread appeal.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Zagreus and Thanatos

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the relationship between Zagreus and Thanatos:

What is ThanZag? ThanZag is the slash ship name for the romantic pairing of Thanatos and Zagreus in the Hades fandom.
Can you romance other characters besides Thanatos? Yes, Zagreus can also romance Dusa and Megaera. The game allows for polyamorous relationships, so you can romance all three simultaneously.
How do you increase your affinity with Thanatos? You increase your affinity with Thanatos by gifting him Nectar and Ambrosia. Make sure to talk to him frequently and complete his favor when it becomes available.
Does Thanatos have romantic relationships outside of Zagreus? In some interpretations and fan works, Thanatos is depicted with other romantic interests, like Macaria, Daphne or Echo. But, in the game Hades, his romantic interest centers on Zagreus.
Does Megara get jealous if you romance Thanatos? No, Megara is not portrayed as jealous. She has a past with Zagreus, but they have moved on and are friends. She is also shown to be friends with Thanatos.
Is Zagreus straight? No, Zagreus is explicitly portrayed as pansexual, meaning he is attracted to people regardless of gender.
What happens if you choose to remain friends with Thanatos? If you choose to remain friends with Thanatos, their bond remains strong, but the romantic element is absent. They continue to support each other as close friends and allies.
Does Thanatos have a role in Hades 2? While Zagreus is not the playable character in Hades 2, it is possible that Thanatos will appear in some capacity, given his close ties to the Underworld and Zagreus’s family.
Does Thanatos have special dialogue if you romance him? Yes, romancing Thanatos unlocks unique dialogue and scenes that highlight the intimacy and affection between him and Zagreus.
Why are the characters in Hades considered attractive? The developers of Hades intentionally designed the characters to be visually appealing, honoring the source material and emphasizing their roles as gods and goddesses. As mentioned in one of the provided snippets: “For some of our characters, their attractiveness in fact is part of who they are.”
What are Thanatos’s duties in the Underworld? Thanatos is the personification of death. His primary duty is to escort souls to the Underworld and ensure the smooth transition between life and death.
Is there any negative consequence to romancing multiple characters in Hades? No, Hades allows for polyamorous relationships, meaning you can romance Thanatos, Dusa, and Megaera simultaneously without any negative repercussions or jealousy.
Does Thanatos approve of Zagreus’s escape attempts? Initially, Thanatos disapproves of Zagreus’s escape attempts, believing it disrupts the natural order. However, as their relationship deepens, he becomes more supportive and even aids Zagreus in his endeavors.
What is Ambrosia used for in Hades? Ambrosia is a special resource used to further increase your relationships with characters after reaching maximum affinity with Nectar. Gifting Ambrosia unlocks unique companion items and storylines.
Where can I learn more about the themes and characters in Hades? You can explore academic research on games and learning, including analyses of Hades, on websites like the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This website is an excellent resource to learn more about how learning happens in games.

In conclusion, Thanatos’s crush on Zagreus is an integral part of Hades, enriching the narrative with depth, inclusivity, and emotional resonance. The option to pursue this romance allows players to forge a meaningful connection between the characters, solidifying Hades‘s reputation as a game that celebrates love in all its forms.

Does Thanatos have a crush on Zagreus?