Audience+of+Elysian+Fields



The term Elysium fields are used in many works of literature to convey a sense of desire and encourages people to live virtuously. Firstly, Elysium is defined as, “the place of the blessed inhabited by those who dies for their country, those of pure lives, truly inspired poets, the inventors of arts, and all who have done good to mankind…a delightful region” (“Elysium”). By the way the fields were widely known for; they exude appeal. With such a place described as “delightful” and parallel with paradise, it sparks interests. However to truly belong to the Fields of Elysium, one must “do good to mankind” and were rightly chosen to live in this pleasant location after death. Thus, this sends out a message to people to live right and be successful in life. Furthermore, Elysium is an evolving term portrayed by many writers through literature and interpretations can vary. In an online article, "Realm of Elysium," it states that, “ Homer knows of no such realm, and consigns all of his heroes to the common house of Haides, while Hesiod and many other poets speak only of a paradisal realm reserved for heroes…Roman writers (such as Virgil) combine the two Elysia--the realm of the virtuous dead and the realm of heroes become one and the same” (Atsma). The distinction between people deserving of Elysium boils down to “heroes” and “virtuous dead,” but they both—in similarity—are humans who pass on to the next life. Consequently, those who have read about Elysium fields in any works will get the message motivating oneself to live righteously, which in effect, be deserving of this paradise.

Works Cited Atsma, Aaron J. "Realm of Elysium." ELYSIUM, ISLAND OF THE BLESSED : Greek Mythology. Theoi Project, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. "Elysium." Elysium. Roman Colosseum, 2008. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.