Epic II

In the song "Epic II" from the musical Hadestown, the cast delves into the mythological world of Hades, the god of the underworld. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Hades as the ruler of all things glittering beneath the earth, from silver and gold to oil and coal. Despite his immense wealth and power, Hades is portrayed as a deeply lonely figure, especially during the half of the year when his wife, Persephone, is away. This separation fills him with jealousy and doubt, highlighting the emotional cost of his dominion over the underworld.

The song contrasts Hades' material riches with his emotional poverty. While he commands vast resources and constructs walls with countless hands, these physical manifestations of his power only serve to isolate him further. The River Styx, a river of stones, symbolizes the barriers he builds around himself, both literally and metaphorically. The repetitive imagery of pickaxes and hammers underscores the relentless, mechanical nature of his existence, drowning out the memory of the song he once heard—a symbol of a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

"Epic II" also touches on themes of labor and exploitation. The mention of "a million hands that are not his own" suggests the countless souls condemned to toil in the underworld, building Hades' empire. This imagery evokes a sense of industrial desolation, where human effort is reduced to mere machinery. The song's haunting melody, punctuated by the refrain "La la la la la la la," serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and love that Hades has lost, buried beneath the weight of his own creations.