In Hindu mythology, the lord of the underworld, often identified with Yama, governs the realm of the dead. Yama oversees the cycle of life and death, ensuring that souls are judged and receive their appropriate karmic outcomes. This control over the afterlife reflects the significance of righteousness and moral choices in human existence. Yama's presence in myths serves to remind people of the consequences of their actions and the importance of living a virtuous life, reinforcing the concepts of karma and dharma.