What are the implied moral values of the Greek/roman underworld?
http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/godpages/underworld.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/where-hell-greco-roman-myths-underworld-15670.html?cat=34
http://www.roman-colosseum.info/roman-gods/roman-underworld.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/greekdeath/a/092909Afterlife.htm
To understand the implied moral values of the Greek/Roman underworld, one should look at ancient Greek and Roman mythology, particularly the myths and stories associated with the realm of the dead. One prominent aspect of the Greek/Roman underworld is the idea of judgment and the concept of an afterlife where souls are rewarded or punished based on their actions in life.
In Greek mythology, Hades is the ruler of the underworld, while in Roman mythology, it is Pluto. The underworld is depicted as a place where the souls of the dead go after they pass away. The Greeks believed that the soul's fate in the afterlife was determined by their actions and behavior during their lifetime.
Some implied moral values associated with the Greek/Roman underworld include:
1. Justice: The underworld reflects the idea of justice, where souls are judged and assigned to their appropriate place based on their deeds. Those who led virtuous lives are often rewarded, while those who were wicked or immoral are punished.
2. Retribution: The Greek/Roman underworld represents the consequences of one's actions. It suggests that individuals will face the appropriate punishment or reward commensurate with their behavior during their lifetime.
3. Accountability: The underworld emphasizes the responsibility an individual has for their actions and choices. It suggests that one cannot escape the consequences of their deeds in life.
4. Respect for the gods: The Greek/Roman underworld serves as a reminder of the power and authority of the gods. It implies that showing respect and honoring the gods through piety and obedience is crucial to avoid unfavorable judgments in the afterlife.
To explore these moral values further, one can delve into specific stories and myths like the Judgment of the Dead (e.g., the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, or the punishment of Sisyphus) or the descriptions found in works like Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid. These narratives provide valuable insights into the Greek/Roman conception of the afterlife and the moral values associated with it.