Fields of asphodel

Definition

The fields of asphodel refer to a section of the Greek underworld, particularly within Hades, where the souls of the ordinary dead reside. This area is characterized by its dull and desolate landscape filled with asphodel flowers, symbolizing the souls who lived average lives without notable virtues or vices. The fields are often seen as a place of forgetfulness and neutrality in the afterlife, connecting to broader themes in myths about the underworld, such as those involving love and eternal punishment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In mythology, the fields of asphodel are typically described as a dull, shadowy area where souls lead an unremarkable existence, reflecting their average lives on Earth.
2. Unlike Elysium, which is for heroes and those rewarded for their virtue, the fields of asphodel serve as a middle ground for those who neither excelled nor failed in their mortal lives.
3. The asphodel flower is associated with death and rebirth in Greek culture and was often planted on graves to honor the deceased.
4. Souls in the fields of asphodel are thought to be trapped in a state of limbo, lacking any significant joy or punishment while they wander endlessly.
5. Myths involving Orpheus and Eurydice illustrate how even in the fields of asphodel, emotions like love and despair can transcend the boundaries of life and death.

Review Questions

• What do the fields of asphodel symbolize in terms of Greek beliefs about life after death?
  • The fields of asphodel symbolize the concept of mediocrity in life and an afterlife that lacks distinction. Unlike Elysium, which is reserved for heroes, these fields represent souls who led ordinary lives, neither particularly virtuous nor notably sinful. This reflects a broader Greek belief that one's actions during life directly influence their experience in the afterlife.
• How does the depiction of the fields of asphodel contrast with Elysium in Greek mythology?
  • The fields of asphodel contrast sharply with Elysium, which is depicted as a blissful paradise for virtuous souls. While Elysium is characterized by joy, beauty, and reward for exceptional lives, the fields of asphodel are bleak and monotonous, inhabited by souls who have not earned glory or punishment. This highlights the varying consequences for different kinds of lives lived according to Greek ideals.
• In what ways do myths like that of Orpheus and Eurydice reflect on the nature of existence in the fields of asphodel?
  • Myths like that of Orpheus and Eurydice reveal how love can persist even in the dreary existence found in the fields of asphodel. The tale emphasizes that while many souls may dwell in an unremarkable state, emotions such as love can drive individuals to challenge even death itself. Orpheus's journey to retrieve Eurydice underscores a longing that transcends mere existence, showcasing that connections forged in life can create powerful motivations, even within an indifferent afterlife.

Related terms

Hades: The ancient Greek god of the underworld and also the name given to the realm of the dead where souls go after death.

Elysium: A paradise in the Greek underworld where heroic souls and those favored by the gods reside, contrasting sharply with the fields of asphodel.

Charon: The ferryman of Hades who transports souls across the river Styx to their final resting place in the underworld.