Hades – Land Of The Dead In Greek Beliefs Offered Punishment And Paradise Full Of Harmony

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - In Greek mythology, there is a well-known myth of Hades, a harsh, shadowy place where the dead lived. Hades is also the name of the god who reigned over this inhospitable realm.

Hades does not resemble the Christian hell and cannot be compared to Irkalla, the ancient Mesopotamian underworld, or Mictlan in Aztec beliefs.

The painting depicts Aeneas' journey in the Underworld led by the Cumaean Sibyl (Aeneid VI, 269-282). Credit: Public Domain

The Greek realm of the dead is also very far from the reality of Diyu and its 18 levels of hell, with awful chambers where people are tortured and constantly suffer pain.

The deceased entered Hades with the help of Charon, the ferryman, and a psychopomp of Hades whose duty was to carry dead souls across the rivers Acheron and Styx that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. It happened that Hermes, the god and psychopomp, also led the spirits of the dead to the afterlife; in Egyptian belief, this role was held by Anubis, the god of death, mummification, embalming, and the afterlife.

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more -  Click here

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here

See also: 

Laocoon – Trojan Priest Who Offended The Gods And Was Strangled By Sea Serpents

The Curse Fell On King Midas And His Gold Desire Became A Nightmare

Cerberus – Giant Multi-Headed Dog Guards The Underworld Of God Hades In Greek Mythology

More Premium Articles