The following outline details the key learning objectives for each section of this chapter.
The Homeric View of the Afterlife
After studying this section of the chapter you should be able to
- discuss the ancient Greeks' conflicted view of the afterlife by comparing their myths about the gods to their myths about heroes.
- discuss the attitude towards mortality inherent in the hero's "passionate desire to seize every opportunity for fame."
- illustrate Homer's bleak vision of Hades with examples from Odysseus's journey through the Underworld.
- explain why proper burial was so important to the ancient Greeks.
- use Odysseus's Underworld encounter with Achilles to discuss the ancient Greek belief that one may live on through one's descendants.
- recognize the similarities between Hades and the Underworlds of other ancient cultures.
- identify the five rivers of Hades and discuss the significance of each.
- describe Elysium as it is depicted by Homer in the Odyssey.
- discuss the imperious and pitiless couple who lord over Hades: Hades (also called Aidoneus) and Persephone.
- identify the many characters/creatures who are mythically tied to the realm of Hades (Cerberus, the Furies, Charon, etc.)
Tartarus
After studying this section of the chapter you should be able to
- discuss the mythic origins of Tartarus (both the god and the "primal chasm").
- explain how Tartarus foreshadows Christian notions of hell.
- identify the sins and punishments associated with the most infamous residents of Tartarus: Tityus, Sisyphus, Tantalus, and Ixion.
Descents into the Underworld
After studying this section of the chapter you should be able to
- explain the significance of the heroic journey to the Underworld.
- discuss Heracles's unique position amongst residents of Hades and its implications for future conceptions of the afterlife.
- discuss Theseus's descent into Hades, and compare his motives for the journey to those of Orpheus.
- analyze Orpheus as a mortal figure whose character combines elements of both rational Apollo and ecstatic Dionysus.
- explain how the myth of Orpheus's descent exemplifies the Greek attitude towards the respective powers of love (Eros) and death (Thanatos).
- detail the events of Orpheus's life after the death of Eurydice.
- briefly describe the teachings and beliefs of Orphism.
- explain how the mythic conception of Hades evolved in the 700 years between Homer and Virgil.
The Transmigration of Souls
After studying this section of the chapter you should be able to
- discuss Pythagoras's understanding of the universe and the soul.
- discuss the role of judgment in Plato's conception of Hades.
- explain why, according to Plato, souls from heaven tend to make foolish decisions.
- identify the origins and beliefs of the doctrine of "the barrowing of bell."
- explain why certain heroes are inspired by their journey through Hades to chose a new life of "quiet obscurity."
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