The Underworld An Exploration of Archetypes in The Odyssey

Archetype Info The underworld is the kingdom of the dead and ruled by Hades. For most, the underworld is like an unpleasant dream and joyless. Geographically the underworld is full of rivers which relates to Christian view Underworld symbolizes both the beginning and end. A life that is accepted although not always feared There are different views of the afterlife/underworld. The main ones are Greek, Christian, and of course the Hollywood version.

The Greek View The Greek underworld is ruled by Hades. Legends show Hades as being very greedy, showing favorable treatment to those who bring more souls to the Underworld (as in war and murder). There are many rivers in the underworld. However, the one particular river that stands between life and death is particularly famous. Only buried people are allowed to cross, and even then, they must pay a fare. If a person is either unburied or too poor to pay, they must wander between life and death until circumstances change.

Greek (cont.) Once a person crosses the river, he/she must be judged by a panel of judges. This process determines where the person will end up. There are said to be three divisions of the Greek Underworld. People deserving punishment go to the worst division where they experience a form of torture unique for their case. (Examples: Tityus is forever being eaten by vultures. Tantalus is surrounded by food and drink he cannot reach.) For the rest of the people in the Greek underworld, life isn’t really too bad. The afterlife is never desired and yet never really feared either. The Greeks accepted the idea of the Underworld. In the Underworld, there is no pleasure or pain. Life is just a continual existence of drifting, with very little or no actual sensations (good or bad).

Christian The Christian Underworld is called Hell. Unlike the Greek view, not every one goes to Hell. Souls in Hell are there because of sinful acts during life. Since the early days of Christianity, Christians have created many different ways and acts to ensure passage to Heaven, not Hell. Christian Hell is a complete place of suffering. The dead must be punished for wrongful acts on earth. There is feeling and sensation, however it consists only of varying shades of pain.

Hollywood/Movie Version The Hollywood version of the Underworld is a highly cliché and overdramatic portrayal. The most common image associated with Hollywood and Hell is fire. Lots and lots of fire. There is also always a devil, man or woman, who plays the role of temptress. There isn’t really a deeper meaning to the Hollywood Hell. Flames and a devil, that’s about all there is to it.

Where Can We Find It? Hercules The Odyssey (Land of the Dead) The Mediator series Religion Movies- Drag Me to Hell, Little Nicky, Constantine, The Prince of Egypt, Stigmata, etc.

Why Does it Matter? The Underworld plays a role in almost all archetypal journeys. This is a place where the hero must often journey, to gain knowledge and understanding. The Underworld may be in a dark place in some instances, but there is always much to be learned there. The underworld serves as the end of normal life, yet the beginning of a new existence, similar to an odd type of rebirth. There are a few differences between the varying versions of the Underworld. However the basic foundation is the same for each, the Underworld is where souls go after death. There are also many metaphorical Underworlds. These are places that characters go (often in their minds) that can represent something dark but also, the character gains new knowledge.