Essay about The Ancient Greeks Belief in the Underworld

A dark, silent, formless void, a perpetual abyss without orientation, this is essentially what the Greeks believed was the origin of the world. The ancient Greeks while trying to further explain the world, invented beguiling myths (Evie). From these myths a world of human like gods and goddesses was formed (Evie). Through narratives, legends, and myths this world justified various abstract ideas, thus creating Greek mythology (Evie). A central element in Greek mythology is the underworld. The underworld is considered to be the place where one’s soul goes to after death. The underworld has played a vital role in Greek culture by serving as an incentive to live a virtuous life, which in turn has affected all aspects of Greek life. The†¦show more content†¦The souls that dwelled here had no memories of their former lives and had no emotions (Joe). Tartarus consisted of the pit of Tartarus, which was a dungeon for those who lived a wicked life and were being punished for their deeds (Joe). The Islands of the Blessed or Elysian Islands, located in Erebus, were where the great heroes of myth resided after death (Wikipedia). Also situated in Erebus, the Elysian Fields were where the virtuous dead were sent to dwell (Wikipedia). These souls where favored by the gods and were blessed. The souls that resided here were permitted to retain their memories of past lives (Joe). They could also experience the pleasures they did while they were alive. The environment was joyous and peaceful, and the souls could reside in eternal bliss (Joe). It is evident that after death there were two diverging paths that one was forced upon. One could lead a pleasant afterlife with life’s regular amenities or on could be confined to live miserably and repent for their sins. The only thing that determined this was your life on earth. Thus, this is why the Greeks believed that pleasing the gods would not only allow them to live a good life on earth, but would also ensure them a secure and peaceful afterlife. In Greek religion the gods and goddesses controlled all aspects of life. This gave the Greeks motivation to live a righteous life, so they could live a joyful life. As part of living a righteous Greek life the GreeksShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology : Ancient Greece1322 Words   |  6 Pages Greek Mythology is a mystical and unique universe filled with divine beings, semi-gods, oracles, monsters, creatures, heroes, women and powerful gods with the ability to control nature, all intertwined in epic battles controlled by various times on a gigantic stage composed of temples, shines, prophecies, rituals and even a word for the dead which was called the underworld. Greek mythology itself is legend. 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