A tour of the ancient Greek Underworld - Iseult Gillespie

Summary

In this imaginative script, Achilles is humorously guided through the Underworld by the Sibyl of Cumae. Despite his demise in the Trojan War, he's assured of immortality among heroes. The Underworld is portrayed as charming, with historic rivers, Cerberus as the guard dog, and places like Elysium for the elite. Tartarus, the deepest realm, houses notorious sinners like Ixion and Tantalus, each with unique punishments. The script offers a lighthearted tour of the afterlife, suggesting a peaceful respite for Achilles.

Takeaways

• 🔮 The Sibyl of Cumae welcomes Achilles to the Underworld after his death in the Trojan War.
• ⚔️ Achilles is reassured that despite his death, he will be immortalized as one of the greatest warriors ever.
• 🌍 The Underworld is depicted as a surprisingly charming and historic place to live, with unique 'neighbors' and attractions.
• 🐕 Cerberus, the three-headed guard dog, is mentioned as a key part of the Underworld's security.
• 🌊 The Underworld features five main rivers: Styx (invulnerability), Acheron (woe), Cocytus (wailing), Lethe (oblivion), and Phlegethon (fire).
• 💔 The Mourning Fields are an area for souls tormented by love, with a bittersweet beauty.
• 👑 Elysium is described as the VIP section of the Underworld, reserved for heroes and royalty, where Achilles will reside.
• ⚖️ Tartarus is introduced as the place for the worst sinners, guarded by the Fury Tisiphone, who never sleeps.
• 🔥 Notable figures in Tartarus include Ixion (punished for betraying Zeus's trust), Tantalus (eternally deprived of food and drink), and the Danaids (endlessly trying to fill leaking jars).
• 🚶‍♂️ The tour concludes with a view of Sisyphus endlessly pushing his boulder up a hill, symbolizing the futility of trying to cheat death.

Q & A

Who is the narrator of the script and what role do they play?

The narrator is the Sibyl of Cumae, a prophetess and avid reader of leaves. She serves as a guide to Achilles, welcoming him to the Underworld.

Why is Achilles in the Underworld according to the script?

Achilles is in the Underworld because he was slain in the Trojan War. The Sibyl acknowledges this and informs him that he will be immortalized as one of the greatest warriors ever.

What are some of the features of the Underworld mentioned in the script?

The Underworld is described as having historic charm, eccentric neighbors, and several rivers, including the Styx, Acheron (river of woe), Cocytus (river of wailing), Lethe (river of oblivion), and Phlegethon (river of fire). It also has notable locations like the Mourning Fields, Elysium, and Tartarus.

What is the significance of the river Styx in the context of Achilles' story?

The river Styx is significant because it was the source of Achilles' almost complete invulnerability. The Sibyl notes that Achilles has been to the Underworld before due to this connection.

What are the Mourning Fields, and who inhabits them?

The Mourning Fields are a part of the Underworld inhabited by souls tormented by love. The Sibyl describes it as an attractive place, but one filled with endless heartbreak.

What is Elysium and who resides there?

Elysium is the Underworld's exclusive VIP section, where heroes and royalty reside. It is described as Achilles' permanent home in the Underworld, and he will join ranks with other legendary figures like Cadmus and Patroclus.

What punishment does Ixion face in the Underworld, and why?

Ixion is punished by being bound to a flaming wheel that spins endlessly. His punishment is for attempting to seduce Zeus's wife, Hera, after being invited to a feast on Mount Olympus.

What is Tantalus' eternal punishment, and what led to it?

Tantalus is punished by being unable to eat or drink, as food and water recede from his reach whenever he attempts to grasp them. This punishment is for either stealing ambrosia from Zeus or for cooking his own son into a stew to test the gods' omniscience.

Who are the Danaids, and what is their punishment?

The Danaids are the daughters who, on their father's orders, beheaded their husbands on their wedding night. Their punishment is to fill a basin with water using cracked jars, so the water constantly leaks away, making the task impossible to complete.

What is the task that Sisyphus must perform, and why?

Sisyphus is condemned to push a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time he reaches the top. This eternal punishment is for attempting to cheat death.

Outlines

00:00

🪦 Welcome to the Underworld: A Grand Tour

The Sibyl of Cumae welcomes Achilles to the Underworld, following his death in the Trojan War. She reassures him of his immortal legacy and introduces him to the charm of the Underworld, highlighting its historic significance, unique residents, and the watchful Cerberus. The Sibyl describes the Styx River, famous for granting Achilles near invulnerability, and points out other notable rivers like Acheron, Cocytus, Lethe, and Phlegethon. The tour continues with a visit to the Mourning Fields, where souls tormented by unrequited love reside, before arriving at Elysium, the exclusive haven for heroes and royalty. Achilles is to spend eternity here among legendary figures such as Cadmus and Patroclus. The tour then takes a darker turn as the Sibyl introduces Tartarus, the realm of the greatest sinners, guarded by Tisiphone, a tireless Fury. Examples of Tartarus's residents, like Ixion, Tantalus, and the Danaids, each suffering eternal punishments for their transgressions, are described in vivid detail. The Sibyl concludes by showcasing the hill where Sisyphus endlessly pushes his boulder, a reminder of the eternal consequences of defying the gods. Overall, she emphasizes that the Underworld, with all its fascinating features and stories, offers a peaceful refuge free from the brutalities of war.

05:05

🛋️ A Peaceful Afterlife Awaits

The Sibyl ends the tour by inviting Achilles to relax and enjoy his time in the Underworld, now free from the turmoil of war and vengeance. She implies that the Underworld, despite its eerie aspects, offers a unique kind of peace and respite.

Keywords

💡Achilles

Achilles is a legendary Greek hero known for his role in the Trojan War. In the video, Achilles is the protagonist being introduced to the Underworld after his death. His legacy as one of the greatest warriors is emphasized, which ties into the theme of immortality and the consequences of heroic deeds.

💡Sibyl of Cumae

The Sibyl of Cumae is a prophetess in Greek mythology who guides the dead in the Underworld. In the video, she welcomes Achilles and provides a tour of the Underworld, offering insights into its inhabitants and the afterlife, which reflects the video's exploration of the afterlife and its various facets.

💡Underworld

The Underworld in Greek mythology is the realm of the dead, ruled by Hades. The video presents it as a place with both positive and negative aspects, where souls are immortalized or punished. The Underworld serves as the main setting of the video, highlighting themes of death, immortality, and eternal punishment.

💡Cerberus

Cerberus is the three-headed guard dog of the Underworld, preventing the dead from leaving. The video mentions Cerberus as part of the Underworld's 'charm,' underscoring the idea that the Underworld is a well-guarded, inescapable place. Cerberus symbolizes the inescapability of death and the finality of the Underworld.

💡Elysium

Elysium is depicted as the 'VIP section' of the Underworld, a paradise for heroes and the virtuous. The video positions Elysium as Achilles' final resting place, emphasizing themes of honor and eternal reward. It contrasts with other parts of the Underworld, where sinners suffer eternal punishment.

💡Tartarus

Tartarus is the deepest part of the Underworld, reserved for the punishment of the greatest sinners. The video describes it as a place guarded by the Fury Tisiphone, where figures like Ixion and Tantalus suffer eternal torment. Tartarus represents the concept of divine justice and the consequences of immoral actions.

💡Styx

The Styx is one of the rivers in the Underworld, known for being a boundary between the living and the dead. The video refers to it as the 'subterranean riviera,' alluding to its significance in Greek mythology as a source of invulnerability for Achilles. The Styx symbolizes the transition to the afterlife and the irreversible nature of death.

💡Ixion

Ixion was a king in Greek mythology who was condemned to Tartarus for attempting to seduce Hera. In the video, his eternal punishment on a flaming wheel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of hubris and betrayal. Ixion's story underscores the theme of retribution in the Underworld.

💡Tantalus

Tantalus is a figure in Greek mythology punished in Tartarus for his crimes against the gods, including stealing ambrosia and serving his son as food to the gods. The video describes his torment, where food and drink are perpetually out of reach, symbolizing unending desire and unattainable satisfaction. Tantalus' punishment highlights the eternal consequences of offending the gods.

💡Sisyphus

Sisyphus is a mythological figure condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only for it to roll back down each time. In the video, his punishment is shown as part of the Underworld's 'amenities,' reflecting the theme of futile labor and the endless cycle of punishment for those who defy the gods.

Highlights

Achilles is welcomed by the Sibyl of Cumae in the Underworld, highlighting her role as a prophetess and guide.

The Sibyl acknowledges Achilles' recent death in the Trojan War and offers reassurance about his legacy and new life in the Underworld.

The Underworld is depicted as a place with a mix of pros and cons, where Achilles will be immortalized among the greatest warriors.

Cerberus, the three-headed guard dog, is introduced humorously, emphasizing his role in preventing anyone from leaving the Underworld.

The Sibyl describes the Styx as the 'subterranean riviera' and connects it to Achilles' near invincibility in life.

The Underworld’s rivers are introduced, each symbolizing different emotions and elements: Acheron (woe), Cocytus (wailing), Lethe (oblivion), and Phlegethon (fire).

The Mourning Fields are depicted as a place of eternal heartbreak, inhabited by souls tormented by love.

Achilles is introduced to Elysium, the VIP section of the Underworld, where he will reside alongside other heroes and royalty.

Famous figures such as Cadmus and Patroclus are mentioned as Achilles' future neighbors in Elysium.

Tartarus is highlighted as the most feared part of the Underworld, reserved for the greatest sinners of all time.

Tisiphone, one of the Furies, is introduced as the guardian of Tartarus, emphasizing her relentless nature in avenging murder.

The story of Ixion’s eternal punishment on a flaming wheel for his crimes, including attempting to seduce Hera, is recounted.

Tantalus’ punishment for his crimes against the gods, including stealing ambrosia and serving his son as food, is described.

The Danaids' eternal task of trying to fill a leaky basin is introduced, symbolizing the futility of their punishment.

The endless toil of Sisyphus, who pushes a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down, is depicted as the final highlight of the Underworld tour.

Transcripts

Achilles, welcome!

I’m the Sibyl of Cumae, prophetess and avid reader of leaves.

To clarify, you were just slain in the Trojan War.

Sorry about that.

It’s normal to feel mixed emotions right now.

But you will be immortalized as one of the greatest warriors ever.

And you’ll have endless distractions down here.

So, pros and cons.

It gets a bad rap, but the Underworld is actually a lovely place to “live.”

It boasts historic charm and eccentric neighbors with eternal ties to the area.

The community even has its own guard dog, Cerberus.

Heel, boy! Oh.

Sorry, I know that’s a sensitive spot.

Anyway, with Cerberus, you get three for the price of one!

He’s just not a big fan of anyone leaving.

And who would want to leave anyway?

This is the Styx— it’s like the subterranean riviera.

But you’ve been here before;

it was the source of your almost complete invulnerability, of course!

The Underworld also features four other waterways:

Acheron, the river of woe; Cocytus, river of wailing;

Lethe, river of oblivion;

and Phlegethon, river of fire, a great source of natural light.

Now, on your left, you’ll see the Mourning Fields,

inhabited by souls tormented by love.

Quite an attractive place, really,

when you’re not in the throes of endless heartbreak.

And without further ado:

Elysium, the Underworld’s exclusive VIP section—

and your permanent home.

Here, you'll join the ranks of royalty and heroes.

Cadmus over there once slayed a dragon!

And Patroclus is around here somewhere, along with lots of other friends and foes.

I'll let you two get reacquainted soon,

but our tour wouldn’t be complete without a quick whirl

through the heart of Hades: Tartarus.

Tisiphone here guards the portal.

She's one of the legendary Furies

and is particularly passionate about avenging murder.

She never sleeps.

So, if you need anything, just ask!

Tartarus is reserved for a select few who some might call

the greatest sinners of all time.

Take Ixion.

He was once a king.

When he didn’t pay his wedding dowry,

his father-in-law, Deioneus, stole his horses to get even.

In retaliation, Ixion pitched Deioneus into a pit of fire.

Ixion was banished, but Zeus miraculously took pity on him,

and invited him to a Mount Olympian feast.

There, however, it soon became clear that the disgraced king

was trying to seduce Zeus’s wife, Hera.

So, Zeus contrived a trap:

a fluffy cloud that resembled Hera exactly.

When Zeus had proof of Ixion having his way with the cumulus,

well, you could say it was all nimbus from there.

That landed Ixion on the flaming wheel.

Poor thing.

Oh, and don’t mind Tantalus here.

He was part of the first generation of mortals,

enjoying privileges like dining with the gods.

Some say Tantalus stole ambrosia from Zeus,

others that he doubted the omniscience of the gods

and cooked his own son into a stew to see if they would notice.

Naturally, they did.

And as eternal punishment, when Tantalus reaches for food,

the branches grow taller.

And when he stoops to quench his thirst, the water recedes.

And here we have the Danaids.

At their father’s order, they beheaded their husbands on their wedding night.

They must fill this basin with water.

But, the trick is, their jars are cracked, so it always... just... leaks away.

Oh, but don’t worry! No leaky appliances for you.

Finally, our last stop on the tour is one of our loveliest vistas.

From here, you can see the hill where Sisyphus pushes his boulder

day after day,

only for it to roll back down again—

all for trying to cheat death.

As you can see, Achilles, the Underworld is full of exciting amenities.

Here, you don’t have to worry about brutal wars or painful cycles of revenge.

You can finally just put your feet up and relax.