What were the spirits of the dead in the underworld called?

The spirits of the dead in the underworld were commonly referred to as Manes. In ancient Roman religion and mythology, the Manes were the benevolent spirits of deceased ancestors who were honored and remembered by their living descendants. They were thought to dwell in the Underworld, often receiving offerings and rituals aimed at ensuring their peace and favor for the family.

The term "shades" is often used to describe the spectral representations of the dead or ghosts in various mythologies, particularly in Greek beliefs where they were seen as less important and more indistinct compared to the Manes. The word "giants" typically refers to the colossal beings often at odds with the gods, particularly in Greek mythology, and does not pertain to the spirits of the deceased. The Furies, known for seeking vengeance against wrongdoers, are also unrelated to the concept of benevolent ancestral spirits, focusing instead on punishment and retribution.

Therefore, Manes is the appropriate term for the spirits of the dead in the underworld as understood in the context of ancient Roman beliefs.