Some Notes

1
Some Notes

• Afterlife Demeter

2
What happens When You Die
3
Homers Vision Nekuia (Odyssey xi)

• Most dead in same ghostly state in sunless land
• Cf. Achilles statement
• Life is where its at
• Some exceptional sinners punished
• Tantalus
• Sisyphus

4
Platos Vision Myth of Er from Republic X

• Dead are judged
• 1000 years of punishment or reward
• Return to judgment place
• Choice made of future life, in order determined
  by lot
• Spirits drink of River Lethe forget past life

5
Consider Context

• What is the reason for these visions appearing in
  these books?
• Not necessarily theologically sound

6
Eleusinian Mysteries

• Mystery Religion deals with life/death issues
• Known only to initiates
• Ritual held once a year (Fall) with preliminary
  ritual held in Spring
• 55 Day Truce

7
Eleusinian Mysteries

• Image of Demeter as great mother to whom (in form
  of daughter) initiate returned at death
• Blessed are those who know these rites
• Ritual possibly based on Homeric Hymn 2 (To
  Demeter)

8
Vegetation as Metaphor

• Cycle of birth, death, rebirth
• Image popular for those who believe in
  reincarnation or
• In a paradise in the afterlife