Thanatos was important to the Greeks because he was responsible for bringing death to mortals. In Greek mythology, death was seen as a natural part of life, and Thanatos was revered as a god who carried out his duties with compassion and dignity. He was also seen as a protector of the dead, and he was often invoked in funeral rituals.
In addition to his role in Greek mythology, Thanatos also played an important role in Greek philosophy. The philosopher Plato argued that Thanatos was a necessary part of life, as it allowed for the soul to be released from the body and return to the realm of the gods. This view of Thanatos as a liberator was influential in Greek thought, and it helped to shape the way that the Greeks viewed death.
Thanatos was a complex and multifaceted god who played an important role in Greek culture. He was seen as a bringer of death, a protector of the dead, and a liberator of the soul. His worship was widespread throughout Greece, and he was often invoked in prayers, rituals, and funerary art.