Elysium

This article is about the Elysian Fields of Greek Mythology. For the article about the rural community in Harrison County Texas, see Elysian Fields, Texas.

"This is Illyria, lady." Viola: "And what should I do in Illyria? My brother he is in Elysium." ( —William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night'')

Table of contents

1 Greek Elysian Fields
2 Virgilian Elysium
3 "Poetical" Elysium

Greek Elysian Fields

In Greek mythology, Elysium (also Elysion) was a section of the underworld. According to the ancients the Elysian fields were the final resting place of the souls of the virtuous. In Homeric mythology the Elysian Fields lay on the western margin of the earth, by the stream of Oceanus, and to them the mortal relatives of the king of the gods were transported, without tasting death, to enjoy an immortality of bliss ( Odyssey book iv: 563) Hesiod refers to the Isles of the Blessed (makarÃÂÃÂ´n nÃÂÃÂªsoi) in the Western (Atlantic) Ocean (Works and Days). Pindar makes it a single Isle.

Alternatively, Elysium was removed to the Netherworld.

Virgilian Elysium

Amongst the poets to interpret Elysium is Virgil, who describes an encounter there between Aeneas and his father Anchises. Virgil's Elysium knows perpetual spring and shady groves, with its own sun and lit by its own stars solemque suum, sua sidera norunt (Aeneid book vi:541).

"Poetical" Elysium

Many of the later poets have interpreted this area in different ways, according to their preference. Sometimes it is imagined as a place where heroes have continued their interests from their lives. Others suppose it is a location filled with feasting, sport, song, and all kinds of amusement.

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