Elysium

Elysium (/ɪˈlɪzi.əm, ɪˈlɪʒəm/), also known as the Elysian Fields (Ancient Greek: Ἠλύσιον πεδίον, Ēlýsion pedíon), Elysian Plains, or Elysian Realm, represents an afterlife concept that evolved through Greek religious and philosophical traditions. Initially distinct from Hades' underworld domain, Elysium was exclusively reserved for those with divine lineage and heroes who could cross the river Styx. This concept later expanded to include individuals chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic, who would enjoy an eternal blessed existence pursuing their earthly pleasures.

According to Homer, the Elysian Fields were situated on Earth's western edge alongside Oceanus' stream. By Hesiod's era, Elysium became associated with the "Fortunate Isles" or "Isles of the Blessed" located in the western ocean at the world's end. The Theban poet Pindar later condensed these into a single island characterized by shady parks where residents engaged in athletic competitions and musical activities.

Different accounts name various rulers of Elysium: Pindar and Hesiod identify Cronus as its sovereign, while Homer's Odyssey describes fair-haired Rhadamanthus as its inhabitant. "The Isle of the Blessed" also appears in Lucian of Samosata's second-century comedic novel A True Story.