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The Underworld Facts & Worksheets

The Underworld, also referred to as the netherworld or the realm of the dead, is a concept found in various mythologies and religious beliefs.

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The underworld, also referred to as the netherworld or the realm of the dead, is a concept found in various mythologies and religious beliefs. In many cultures, the underworld relates to judgment, afterlife rewards or punishments, and the domain of deities or rulers who govern the spiritual realm. It plays a significant role in shaping cultural, religious, and mythological narratives about the journey of the soul beyond the earthly realm.

See the fact file below for more information about the Underworld, or you can download our 33-page Underworld worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

  • The concept of an underworld, often associated with the afterlife, dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia.
  • Greek mythology introduced the notion of Hades, the realm of the dead ruled by the god Hades, and depicted it as a dark and mysterious place.
  • The Roman equivalent of Hades was the realm of Pluto. Roman culture integrated Greek mythology, adapting it to their beliefs.
  • Various cultures worldwide developed their own interpretations of the underworld, with unique names and characteristics.
  • In ancient Egypt, the Duat was the realm of the dead, often described in texts such as the Book of the Dead.
  • In Norse mythology, Helheim was the realm of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel. It was a place for souls who did not die in battle.
  • Many ancient societies believed in an afterlife and established rituals and practices to guide the departed through the underworld.
  • Religious scriptures like the Bible contain references to an underworld or realm of the dead, often reflecting cultural beliefs.
  • Depictions of the underworld were prevalent in ancient art, literature, and poetry, offering insights into cultural perceptions.
  • The underworld often served as a metaphor for the unknown, death, and the mysteries of existence.
  • Some societies had cults and rituals dedicated to ancestral spirits and communicating with the deceased.
  • Medieval Christian beliefs included the concepts of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, shaping perceptions of the afterlife.
  • Dante’s “Inferno:” Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy,” particularly “Inferno,” provided a vivid depiction of the Christian underworld and its divisions.
  • Folklore often incorporated beliefs about spirits, ghosts, and the afterlife, influencing cultural practices.
  • As exploration expanded, cultures encountered new beliefs about the underworld from other societies.
  • Contemporary views of the underworld vary, encompassing religious, cultural, and philosophical perspectives.
  • The concept of an underworld remains a recurring theme in literature, films, and popular culture.
  • Archaeological discoveries, such as burial sites and grave goods, offer insights into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
  • Different cultures and religions have distinct interpretations of the underworld, reflecting the diversity of human beliefs.

ETYMOLOGY AND SYMBOLISM

  • The term “underworld” originates from Old English “under + weald,” meaning “the world beneath or below.”
  • “The underworld” has been used in literature, art, and mythology for centuries to refer to the realm beneath the earth’s surface.
  • The underworld is also a metaphor for facing fears, challenges, and the darker aspects of life.
  • Similar concepts exist in various cultures, such as the Greek “Hades,” the Norse “Hel,” and the Hindu “Patala.”
  • The underworld symbolizes a realm beyond the physical world, often associated with the afterlife or supernatural realms.
  • It represents a transition between life and death, embodying mystery and the unknown.
  • Mythical creatures and beings are often believed to reside in the underworld, adding to their mystical nature.
  • Symbolically, the underworld can embody the subconscious mind or hidden aspects of the human psyche.

Religious Significance: 

  • Many religious traditions include an underworld, such as the Christian depiction of Hell or the Buddhist concept of Naraka.
  • The underworld is often linked to concepts of punishment or purification based on moral and ethical beliefs.

Literary and Mythological References: 

  • The underworld, ruled by Hades of Greek mythology, is a realm where souls go after death, reflecting the ancient Greek beliefs about the afterlife.
  • The “Aeneid” by Virgil explores the journey of Aeneas into the underworld, revealing insights into fate and destiny.

Metaphorical Usage: 

  • Beyond literal interpretations, “underworld” is metaphorically used to describe criminal or illegal activities hidden from public view.
  • It can symbolize the underbelly of society, including its corruption, injustices, and societal flaws.

Cultural and Artistic Representations: 

  • The underworld often appears in art, literature, and film as a source of inspiration for exploring existential questions. Its depiction can range from dark and foreboding to fantastical and imaginative.

Exploration of Dualities: 

  • The concept of the underworld contrasts life and death, light and darkness, good and evil, offering insight into these fundamental dualities.
  • Ultimately, the symbolism of the underworld reveals the complex relationship between the known and the unknown, mortality and eternity, and the journey of the human spirit.

MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION

  • The underworld is a recurring theme in various cultures’ mythologies and religious beliefs. Often considered a realm beneath the earth’s surface, the underworld is where the souls of the deceased reside.
  • Greek Mythology – Hades: In Greek mythology, Hades is both the god of the underworld and the name of the realm itself.
  • Roman Equivalent – Pluto: The Roman counterpart to Hades is Pluto, who ruled over the realm of the dead.
  • Egyptian Mythology – The Duat: In ancient Egyptian mythology, the Duat is the realm of the dead and a place of judgment after death.
  • Norse Mythology – Helheim: In Norse mythology, Helheim is the realm of the dead ruled by the goddess Hel.
  • Many mythologies feature deities who govern the underworld, often holding power over life and death.
  • The underworld is frequently associated with various afterlife beliefs, including judgment, reward, and punishment.
  • In Greek mythology, the River Styx is a boundary between the living world and the underworld.
  • Cerberus: A multi-headed dog guarding the entrance to the underworld in Greek mythology.
  • Judgment of Souls: Some beliefs involve the assessment of souls in the underworld, where deeds in life determine one’s fate.
  • Elysium: In Greek mythology, Elysium, also known as the Elysium Fields, is a heavenly paradise in the underworld for the virtuous and heroic.
  • Tartarus: A deep abyss in Greek mythology used as a prison for the Titans and other powerful beings.
  • Myths often feature heroes or gods venturing into the underworld to rescue loved ones or retrieve crucial artifacts.
  • Different cultures have unique understandings of the underworld, reflecting their beliefs and values.
  • The concept of the underworld often intersects with the practice of ancestor worship.
  • The underworld symbolizes the transition from life to death and is often associated with mysteries and transformation.
  • Offerings and rituals are performed to appease or honor the underworld deities and the deceased.

CULTURAL DEPICTIONS

  • The Sumerian underworld, Kur, was depicted as a desolate land beneath the earth’s surface.
  • The Chinese underworld, Diyu, features different levels of punishment based on one’s moral actions in life.
  • Xibalba in Maya culture is a treacherous underworld inhabited by deities who challenge and test souls.
  • The Duat represents the afterlife in Ancient Egyptian beliefs, where souls face various trials before their journey to the afterlife.
  • Artists have portrayed the underworld in various ways, from eerie landscapes to surreal realms, reflecting cultural beliefs and fears.
  • Many cultures have folklore surrounding the underworld, often intertwined with spirits, ghosts, and the unknown.
  • The underworld can symbolize psychological exploration, transformation, and facing one’s fears, as seen in works like “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
  • The underworld’s themes appear in various movies and TV shows, such as “What Dreams May Come” and “Coco.”
  • Musicians often draw inspiration from the underworld, crafting songs that explore themes of death, the afterlife, and the unknown.
  • Cultural practices and rituals often include references to the underworld, influencing how people cope with death.
  • The Aztecs believed that warriors who died in battle would go to the underworld and later transform into hummingbirds.

FUN FACTS

  • In Greek mythology, the ruler of the underworld, Hades, fell in love with Persephone and kidnapped her to be his queen. This myth explains the changing seasons, with Persephone’s time in the underworld symbolizing winter.
  • The first portion of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem “The Divine Comedy,” “Inferno,” portrays a voyage through Hell’s nine circles, each with its own distinct penalties for sinners. It is a famous literary portrayal of the underworld.
  • Ancient Egyptians believed in a complex underworld called the Duat, where the deceased had to navigate through a series of challenges to reach the afterlife guided by the “Book of the Dead.” 
  • The River Styx was a river in the underworld in Greek mythology. It was supposed to separate the worlds of the living and the dead. For passage across the river, souls have to pay Charon, the ferryman.
  • The Aztecs had their own concept of the underworld called Mictlān. It was believed to be a dark, cold, and inhospitable place where the souls of the deceased faced numerous trials.
  • Many cities have urban legends about secret underground tunnels, hidden passages, and mysterious catacombs. Some of these tales suggest that entire cities exist secretly beneath major metropolitan areas.
  • From movies like “The Matrix” to video games like “Hades,” where players travel through a stylized underworld replete with mythological monsters, the notion of the underworld has been a repeating subject in popular culture.
  • In Tibetan Buddhism, the “Bardo Thodol,” often referred to as the Tibetan Book of the Dead, describes the intermediate state between death and rebirth. It’s a guide for the deceased as they navigate through various realms.

The Underworld Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about The Underworld across 33 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Underworld. The Underworld, also referred to as the netherworld or the realm of the dead, is a concept found in various mythologies and religious beliefs.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Underworld Facts
  2. It Reminds Me Of…
  3. Unveiled World
  4. Into the Underworld
  5. Gods of the Underworld
  6. Differing Myths
  7. Movie Viewing
  8. Journey to the Afterlife
  9. In Popular Culture
  10. Mysteries of the Abyss
  11. The Scroll of the Dead

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the underworld?

The underworld is a term used in various mythologies and religious traditions to describe a realm or place below the Earth’s surface that is often associated with the afterlife or the realm of the dead. It is typically believed to be a mysterious and supernatural realm where souls go after death.

How is the underworld depicted in Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology, the underworld is known as the “Underworld” or “Hades.” It is ruled by the god Hades and is divided into different regions, including the Elysian Fields (a paradise for heroes), the Asphodel Meadows (a neutral or mundane afterlife), and Tartarus (a place of punishment for the wicked). Souls were often ferried to the underworld by the boatman Charon and judged by the three judges of the dead.

What is the significance of the Egyptian underworld in ancient Egyptian religion?

In ancient Egyptian religion, the underworld is known as the Duat. It is a complex and multifaceted realm where the soul of the deceased must navigate a series of challenges and obstacles to reach the afterlife. The Duat is associated with the journey of the sun god Ra during the night, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in Egyptian belief.

What role does the underworld play in Christian theology?

In Christian theology, the concept of the underworld is often associated with Hell. It is depicted as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked and is in contrast to Heaven, the realm of eternal reward for the righteous. The specific nature and interpretation of Hell vary among Christian denominations.

Are there any common themes or elements in different cultural depictions of the underworld?

Yes, there are common themes that appear across different cultural depictions of the underworld. These include the idea of a realm for the deceased, a judgment or reckoning of one’s actions in life, and a division between a place of reward or paradise and a place of punishment or suffering. Many cultures also include various supernatural beings, deities, or guides associated with the underworld, as well as rituals and practices to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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