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achillesreel
2 min read
A Closer Examination of Virgil’s Underworld in the Aeneid
Aeneas’ descent into the Underworld in Book VI is depicted intricately and elaborately by Virgil, offering the reader a glimpse into the...
achillesreel
2 min read
Dante's Underworld: the Nine Circles of Hell
In Dante’s Inferno, Dante is led by Virgil through the nine circles of Hell: Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Heresy, Violence, Fraud...
achillesreel
2 min read
Necromancy in Sagae Thessalae
Sagae Thessalae (The Witches of Thessaly) is a short story by Apuleius, written in the mid-2nd Century AD. It comes from the only...
achillesreel
2 min read
Orpheus and Eurydice: Love and death in the underworld
The ultimate love story, a story of wit, bravery, and tragedy; the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Perhaps one of the most tragic love...
achillesreel
2 min read
Theseus' encounters with the Underworld
Theseus, a celebrated hero is most well-known for his slaying of the Minotaur. Born to Medea and Poseidon, Theseus inherited the status...
achillesreel
2 min read
10 Years to Ithaca: Odysseus’ Journey through the Underworld
Odysseus is undeniably one of the most intelligent mortals throughout Greek mythology, famed for devising the plan that brought down the...
achillesreel
2 min read
The depiction of the Underworld in Orpheus and Eurydice
The tale of Orpheus and Eurydice centres around the Underworld as the couple are split apart by death, following Orpheus’ attempt to...
achillesreel
2 min read
Adonis and the Underworld
Adonis is said to be the God of many things, including rebirth, beauty, and desire. He was a mortal at birth, yet – being Aphrodite’s...
achillesreel
2 min read
Dante's Inferno; a Brief Overview
Among the ranks of most loved Renaissance literature is Dante’s Inferno, the first part of La Divina Commedia, or the ‘Divine Comedy’....
achillesreel
2 min read
Heracles' 12th Labour
Heracles’ final labour was one of two additional labours that King Eurystheus of Tiryns ordered him to carry out, after his original...
achillesreel
2 min read
The Evolution of Ancient Death Rituals
Across time death has had different meanings in different cultures and thus, each developed their own beliefs, rituals and traditions...
achillesreel
3 min read
Persephone and Hades: The Rulers of the Underworld
Persephone and Hades are hailed as equal rulers of the dead and the Underworld. There are very few mentions of Hades outside of the...
achillesreel
2 min read
The Portrayal of the Underworld Through Time
The idea of the Underworld is one that has existed for thousands of years and has been referenced in virtually every source...
achillesreel
2 min read
A note from the Editor
Humanity has always held a profound fascination for death. From classical civilisations to the present day, our collective imagination...
achillesreel
2 min read
Death in Ancient Roman Society
Introduction Death in Ancient Rome had many differences compared to modern society. Death was arguably more frequent, and even part of...
achillesreel
4 min read
“The Struggle Itself Towards the Heights is Enough to Fill a Man's Heart. One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy.“ - Albert Camus
Chapter 1: The Man Who Cheated Death Son of Aeolus and Enarete, Sisyphus established Ephyra (also known as Corinth) and ruled as its...
achillesreel
3 min read
The Curse of Sisyphus
Sisyphus was the first king of Ephyra, now known as Corinth. He was a clever, intelligent and quick-witted leader, but also an immoral...
achillesreel
5 min read
A Vindication of Hades: An Altruistic God
Established, modified, and fervently debated upon, the boundaries between right and wrong, good and bad, and honour and treachery have...