Greek Mythology
Underworld — Greek Mythology
The Underworld is the realm of the dead in Greek mythology, the subterranean domain ruled by Hades and Persephone. It has a central place in stories of heroic descent, the appearance of the dead, and the order of the afterlife.
Overview
In mythic narratives, the Underworld can be reached by a road beneath the earth or approached on a gloomy shore at the far edge of Oceanus. It is not a single city but a complete realm made up of an entrance, rivers, a ferry crossing, Hades's palace, gathering places for the dead, and the dwellings of the departed.
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In Greek mythology
The Underworld serves as the home of the dead, and the living are normally not meant to enter it. The dead keep a shadow-like form of their former selves and can speak with the living only when rites and divine favor allow it. As ruler of this subterranean world, Hades is the most important god there, with Persephone as its queen.
In heroic myth, the Underworld is also a place that tests boundary-crossing. Odysseus goes there to ask Tiresias about his return home, while Theseus and Pirithous enter in an attempt to abduct Persephone and are trapped in Hades's palace.
Geography and natural setting
The entrance to the Underworld appears differently from one story to another. In Odysseus in the Underworld, the entrance lies at the edge of Oceanus, on a dark shore with Persephone's grove, poplars, and fruitless willows. Odysseus digs a pit there and makes offerings of blood to summon the dead.
In The Death of Theseus, the Underworld is presented as a realm reached by a road beneath the earth, with darkness, rivers, a ferry crossing, and the palace of Hades. Hades receives Theseus and Pirithous in his hall and seats them on a stone chair that holds them fast; later, when Heracles descends to fetch Cerberus, Theseus is finally freed.
Related stories
Odysseus in the Underworld mentions this place when Odysseus, following Circe's instructions, sails to the edge of Oceanus and offers sacrifice at the entrance to the dead, where he meets Tiresias, his mother Anticlea, and several heroic shades.
The Death of Theseus mentions this place when Theseus and Pirithous enter the Underworld in an attempt to abduct Persephone, only to be trapped by Hades on a stone seat. Theseus is later rescued by Heracles, while Pirithous remains in the Underworld.