Greek and Roman Mythology: Mythical Places: Underworld
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The underworld is best known as being the kingdom of the dead and new souls. The entrance was located at Avernus, a crater near Cumae. Once these new souls came through the entrance they were to wait and be judged by the three judges (Rhadamanthus, Minos I, and Aeacus). They were judged on all of their past life experiences. Some were put to suffer in the lower parts, and heroes and those of good deeds where allowed to enter the elysian fields.
Ruler: Hades
Rivers: The Acheron "river of woe", The Cocytus "river of lamentation", The Phlegethon "river of fire", The Styx "river of unbreakable oath by which the gods swear", The Lethe "river of forgetfulness"
Guardians/Servants: Cerberus "guardian of the underworld", Charon "ferryman to those who wish to enter", Hermes "guide to the dead"
Elysian Fields: This place was the final resting spot for those of virtue. It is also sometimes known as Elysion, and was described by Virgil.
Tartarus: This was known as the "hell" of the underworld. This was the lowest part of the underworld and housed prisons and the locations of those banished from the earth.
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Copyright: Nikki Burke 2000-2008
Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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