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.