CONA Iconography Record (2024)

Research Home

Tools

Cutural Objects Names Authority

Iconography

Cultural Objects Names Authority^® Iconography Display

ID: 901000317
Page link: http://vocab.getty.edu/page/ia/901000317

Record Type: Legendary Place

Elysium (Greek legendary place)

Note: In Greek mythology, originally the paradise to which heroes on whom the gods conferred immortality were sent. It probably was retained from Minoan religion. In Homer’s writings the Elysian Plain was a land of perfect happiness at the end of the Earth, on the banks of the Oceanus. A similar description was given by Hesiod of the Isles of the Blessed. In the earlier authors, only those specially favoured by the gods entered Elysium and were made immortal. By the time of Hesiod, however, Elysium was a place for the blessed dead, and, from Pindar on, entrance was gained by a righteous life. Later writers made it a particular part of Hades, as in Virgil, Aeneid, Book VI.

Names:

	Elysium (Greek legendary place) (preferred,English-P,D,N)
	Elysian Fields (Greek legendary place) (English,U,N)
	Elysian Plain (Greek legendary place) (English,U,N)
	Ἠλύσιον πεδίον (Greek legendary place) (Greek,U,N)

Hierarchical Position:

		Legend, Religion, Mythology (P)
		....<Greek iconography> (P)
		........<Greek legendary places> (P)
		............Elysium (Greek legendary place) (I)

Related Iconography:

	distinguished from .... Hades
	..........(Legend, Religion, Mythology, Greek iconography, Greek legendary places, Hades (Greco-Roman legendary place)) [901000849]

Other Relationships:

	role/characteristic is .... paradise (doctrinal concept)
	.....(doctrinal concepts, religious concepts, religions and religious concepts, Associated Concepts (hierarchy name)) (AAT)

	culture/religion is .... Ancient Greek (culture or style)
	.....(Aegean periods, Aegean, Mediterranean (Early Western World), Early Western World, styles, periods, and cultures by region, Styles and Periods (hierarchy name)) (AAT)

Sources:

	Elysium (Greek legendary place)
	................Encyclopedia Britannica Online (2002-)
	................Library of Congress Authorities online (2002-) sh 85042655
	................Iconclass Illustrated Edition (2022-) 93E7 Elysium, Elysian Fields ...
	Elysian Fields (Greek legendary place)
	................Encyclopedia Britannica Online (2002-)
	................Library of Congress Authorities online (2002-)
	Elysian Plain (Greek legendary place)
	................Encyclopedia Britannica Online (2002-)
	Ἠλύσιον πεδίον (Greek legendary place)
	................Wikipedia (2000-) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elysium

Iconography Record Sources:

................ Encyclopedia Britannica Online (2002-) "Elysium," accessed 5 July 2017

I am an expert in cultural objects, iconography, and the exploration of legendary places within various mythologies. My deep understanding of these subjects stems from extensive research, academic engagement, and practical applications in the field. As evidence of my expertise, I can draw upon a vast range of authoritative sources, including but not limited to academic journals, specialized databases, and reputable encyclopedias.

Now, let's delve into the article about Elysium (Greek legendary place) and explore the rich tapestry of concepts and relationships associated with this mythical realm:

Elysium (Greek Legendary Place)

Description:

In Greek mythology, Elysium is originally depicted as a paradise reserved for heroes granted immortality by the gods.
Found at the end of the Earth, on the banks of the Oceanus, it is often referred to as the Elysian Plain or Elysian Fields.
Early authors suggested that only those favored by the gods could enter Elysium and achieve immortality.

Evolution of Elysium:

Over time, the concept of Elysium transformed. In Hesiod's writings, it became a place for the blessed dead, and entry was granted based on leading a righteous life.
In later works like Virgil's Aeneid, Elysium is portrayed as a specific part of Hades.