This is a term frequently used in Greek mythology, in order to describe a site or kingdom that is found under the earth and whose king is the god Hades, there are several characteristic elements of this place, among the main it is important highlight the presence of Tartarus (a place where the titans and other monstrosities are imprisoned), the Asphodel Meadows among others. However it must be said that as time has passed the representation and interpretation of what the underworld is has changed to a great extent.
The underworld in classical literature was described as a place that was found in the confines of the earth, many beyond the horizon, that is, at the end of the world, this being a place where the souls of the dead are taken. In ancient Greece it was very common to maintain the belief that in that city there were several places that functioned as entrances to it. The souls of the deceased had to cross the Acheron River, using Charon's barge, which charged a coin when going up to be able to transport them, it is for that reasonthat when a person died, it was customary for a coin to be placed under the deceased individual's tongue or, failing that, on both eyelids, those who had no money would be destined to grieve in what was known as the prairie. For its part, the banks of the river were protected by Cerberus, a three-headed dog, in addition to the fact that it was he who prevented souls from leaving the underworld or the living from entering.
In the main areas of the underworld it was possible to find the Fields of Asphodel, a place where the souls of the caring heroes suffer. The person in charge of transferring the souls to face their judgment was Hermes, which was carried out by the kings Aeacus, Minos and the latter's brother, Radamantis, in cases where the sentences were favorable to the souls, they returned to the Fields of Asphodel, while the souls of pagans were condemned to the path of Tartarus, while the souls of important or heroic people were transferred to Elysee.
