Hades: The Greek Underworld

Has it ever come across your mind that you would enter a whole other world after your life on Earth? As a Christian, I believe that after life on Earth, God has His kingdom of heaven ready for us, if we truly are faithful as a follower of Christ. If we were to look through the perspective of the Greeks, we would have believed that we would be sent to Hades, or the Greek underworld.

Principally, there is a reason as to why it is called the Underworld. This is because it is said to be in the sunless regions under Earth. Not only is this world called the Underworld, however, it is also called Hades’ realm. The reason behind this is because the Underworld was a third part of Hades’ cosmos. At times, Hades is also referred to as Pluto.

Furthermore, there are a few stories concerning the Underworld of Hades. One of the most well known of these stories have to do with Hades taking a young goddess Persephone below Earth to live with him as queen. While Persephone was allowed into the land of the living, she had to return to Hades every year.

Moreover, the Underworld is neither like Heaven or Hell. It is said to have an area called the Elysian Fields, similar to Heaven. In addition, the Underworld also has a dark area called Tartarus, corresponding with Hell. Along with these two areas, there are also other areas for different types of deaths and for the souls of the dead as well.

All in all, the Greek Underworld has a very fascinating story behind itself. I like how the concept is very much similar to the belief of Christianity. However, there are very small distinct differences that make Christianity more unique in my perspective. Therefore, there are mutual similarities and differences that demonstrate vivid comparison and contrast between Christianity and the Greek Underworld.