The Adventures of Pinocchio - Wikipedia
The Adventures of Pinocchio (/pɪˈnoʊkioʊ/ pin-OH-kee-oh; Italian: Le avventure di Pinocchio. Storia di un burattino [le avvenˈtuːre di piˈnɔkkjo ˈstɔːrja di ...
Journeys to the underworld
Some literary analysts have described Pinocchio as an epic hero. According to Thomas J. Morrissey and Richard Wunderlich in Death and Rebirth in Pinocchio (1983) "such mythological events probably imitate the annual cycle of vegetative birth, death, and renascence, and they often serve as paradigms for the frequent symbolic deaths and rebirths encountered in literature. Two such symbolic renderings are most prominent: re-emergence from a journey to hell and rebirth through metamorphosis. <anchor>Journeys to the underworld</anchor> are a common feature of Eurasian literary epics: Gilgamesh, Odysseus, Aeneas, and Dante all benefit from the knowledge and power they put on after such descents. Rebirth through metamorphosis, on the other hand, is a motif generally consigned to fantasy or speculative literature [...] These two figurative manifestations of the death-rebirth trope are rarely combined; however, Carlo Collodi's great fantasy-epic, The Adventures of Pinocchio, is a work in which a hero experiences symbolic death and rebirth through both infernal descent and metamorphosis. Pinocchio is truly a fantasy hero of epic proportions [...] Beneath the book's comic-fantasy texture—but not far beneath—lies a symbolic journey to the underworld, from which Pinocchio emerges whole."[14]
Katabasis - Wikipedia
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- [1Overview](#Overview)
- [2The _Odyssey_](#The_Odyssey)
- [3The _Aeneid_](#The_Aeneid)
- [4The _Metamorphoses_](#The_Metamorphoses)
- [5Other examples in religious and mythological literature](#Other_examples_in_religious_and_mythological_literature)
- [6References](#References)
- [7Bibliography](#Bibliography)
- [8Further reading](#Further_reading)

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# Katabasis

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Journey into the underworld in literature

For the Antarctic wind, see [Katabatic wind](/wiki/Katabatic_wind "Katabatic wind"). For other uses, see [Katabasis (disambiguation)](/wiki/Katabasis_(disambiguation) "Katabasis (disambiguation)").

[![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Alessandro_Allori_-_Odysseus_questions_the_seer_Tiresias.jpg/290px-Alessandro_Allori_-_Odysseus_questions_the_seer_Tiresias.jpg)](/wiki/File:Alessandro_Allori_-_Odysseus_questions_the_seer_Tiresias.jpg) [Odysseus](/wiki/Odysseus "Odysseus") consults the soul of the prophet [Tiresias](/wiki/Tiresias "Tiresias") in his katabasis during Book 11 of _[The Odyssey](/wiki/The_Odyssey "The Odyssey")._

A **katabasis** or **catabasis** ( [Ancient Greek](/wiki/Ancient_Greek_language "Ancient Greek language"): [κατάβασις](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%AC%CE%B2%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B9%CF%82#Ancient_Greek "wikt:κατάβασις"), [romanized](/wiki/Romanization_of_Ancient_Greek "Romanization of Ancient Greek"): __katábasis__, [lit.](/wiki/Literal_translation "Literal translation")'descent'; from [κατὰ](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%E1%BD%B0#Ancient_Greek "wikt:κατὰ") _(_katà_)_ 'down' and [βαίνω](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%B2%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%BD%CF%89#Ancient_Greek "wikt:βαίνω") _(_baínō_)_ 'go') is a journey to the [underworld](/wiki/Underworld "Underworld"). Its original sense is usually associated with [Greek mythology](/wiki/Greek_mythology "Greek mythology") and [Classical mythology](/wiki/Classical_mythology "Classical mythology") more broadly, where the protagonist visits the [Greek underworld](/wiki/Greek_underworld "Greek underworld"), also known as Hades. The term is also used in a broad sense of any journey to the realm of the dead in other mythological and religious traditions. A katabasis is similar to a _[nekyia](/wiki/Nekyia "Nekyia")_ or necromancy, where one experiences a vision of the underworld or its inhabitants; a _nekyia_ does not generally involve a physical visit, however. One of the most famous examples is that of [Odysseus](/wiki/Odysseus "Odysseus"), who performs something on the border of a _nekyia_ and a katabasis in book 11 of the _[Odyssey](/wiki/Odyssey "Odyssey")_; he visits the border of the realms before calling the dead to him using a blood rite, with it being disputed whether he was at the highest realm of the underworld or the lowest edge of the living world where he performed this.

## Overview

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=1 "Edit section: Overview")\]

The trip to the underworld is a [mytheme](/wiki/Mytheme "Mytheme") of [comparative mythology](/wiki/Comparative_mythology "Comparative mythology") found in a diverse number of religions from around the world.[\[1\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTESerrano1999129–179-1) The [hero](/wiki/Hero "Hero") or upper-world deity journeys to the [underworld](/wiki/Underworld "Underworld") or to the land of the dead and returns. The nature of the [quest](/wiki/Quest "Quest") differs; sometimes an object or the rescue of a loved one is sought, while in other stories knowledge and secret revelations is the goal. The ability to enter the realm of the dead while still alive, and to return, is proof of the classical hero's exceptional status as more than mortal. A deity who returns from the underworld demonstrates [eschatological](/wiki/Eschatology "Eschatology") themes such as the cyclical nature of time and existence, or the defeat of death and the possibility of [immortality](/wiki/Immortality "Immortality").[\[2\]](#cite_note-2)

A katabasis is arguably a specific type of the famous [Hero's journey](/wiki/Hero%27s_journey "Hero's journey"). In the Hero's journey, the hero travels to a forbidden, unknown realm; a katabasis is when that place is specifically the underworld. Pilar Serrano uses the term to encompass brief or chronic stays in the underworld as well, such as those of [Lazarus](/wiki/Lazarus_of_Bethany "Lazarus of Bethany"), and [Castor and Pollux](/wiki/Castor_and_Pollux "Castor and Pollux").[\[1\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTESerrano1999129–179-1)

A katabasis is in general followed by an _[anabasis](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anabasis "wikt:anabasis")_ (a going up) to distinguish itself from death; very rarely does a living hero decide to stay in the Underworld for ever.

Famous examples of katabases in [Greek mythology](/wiki/Greek_mythology "Greek mythology") include [Orpheus](/wiki/Orpheus "Orpheus"), who enters the underworld in order to bring [Eurydice](/wiki/Eurydice "Eurydice") back to the world of the living, and [Odysseus](/wiki/Odysseus "Odysseus"), who seeks to consult with the prophet [Tiresias](/wiki/Tiresias "Tiresias") for knowledge. In [Roman mythology](/wiki/Roman_mythology "Roman mythology"), [Aeneas](/wiki/Aeneas "Aeneas") seeks out his father [Anchises](/wiki/Anchises "Anchises") to learn of prophecies of his fate and that of the [Roman Empire](/wiki/Roman_Empire "Roman Empire").

## The _Odyssey_

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=2 "Edit section: The Odyssey")\]

In the 11th book of the _Odyssey_, Odysseus follows the advice of Circe to consult Tiresias in [Hades](/wiki/Greek_underworld "Greek underworld"), the land of the dead.[\[3\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197510:_504_–_11:_50-3) Odysseus sets out an offering of honey, milk, wine, water, and barley before slaughtering two sheep to add fresh blood to the meal. The souls of many then appear to him. The first to appear to Odysseus is [Elpenor](/wiki/Elpenor "Elpenor"), his crew member who died prior to leaving Circe's island. Elpenor asks Odysseus to give him a proper burial, and Odysseus agrees.[\[4\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_51–83-4) The next to appear to Odysseus is his mother, [Anticlea](/wiki/Anticlea "Anticlea"). As Odysseus has been away fighting the Trojan War for nearly 20 years, he is surprised and saddened by the sight of her soul.[\[5\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_84–89-5)

[Tiresias](/wiki/Tiresias "Tiresias"), the soul whom Odysseus came to see, next appears to him. Tiresias gives him several pieces of information concerning his _[nostos](/wiki/Nostos "Nostos")_ (homecoming) and his life after. Tiresias details [Poseidon](/wiki/Poseidon "Poseidon")'s anger at Odysseus' blinding of [Polyphemos](/wiki/Polyphemus "Polyphemus") (and the coming troubles as a consequence), warns Odysseus not to eat the livestock of the god [Helios](/wiki/Helios "Helios"), and prophesies Odysseus' return home to [Ithaca](/wiki/Homer%27s_Ithaca "Homer's Ithaca") and his eventual death at sea at an old age.[\[6\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_90–137-6) After Tiresias instructs Odysseus to allow the spirits he wants to talk to drink the sacrificial blood he used to find Tiresias, he is again given the chance to see his mother, and she tells him of the suffering of his family as they await his return home.[\[7\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_145–224-7) As his mother leaves, Odysseus is then visited by a string of souls of past queens. He first sees [Tyro](/wiki/Tyro "Tyro"), the mother of [Pelias](/wiki/Pelias "Pelias") and [Neleus](/wiki/Neleus "Neleus") by Poseidon.[\[8\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_235–259-8)

He next talks to [Antiope](/wiki/Antiope_(mother_of_Amphion) "Antiope (mother of Amphion)"), the mother of [Amphion and Zethus](/wiki/Amphion_and_Zethus "Amphion and Zethus") (the founders of Thebes) by [Zeus](/wiki/Zeus "Zeus").[\[9\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_260–265-9) Then, he is visited by [Alcmene](/wiki/Alcmene "Alcmene"), the mother of [Heracles](/wiki/Heracles "Heracles") by Zeus, and Heracle's wife [Megara](/wiki/Megara_(mythology) "Megara (mythology)").[\[10\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_266–270-10) He is also visited by [Epicaste](/wiki/Jocasta "Jocasta"), the mother of Oedipus, and [Chloris](/wiki/Chloris "Chloris"), the queen of [Pylos](/wiki/Pylos "Pylos").[\[11\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_271–285-11) Odysseus is then visited by [Leda](/wiki/Leda_(mythology) "Leda (mythology)"), the mother of [Castor and Polydeuces](/wiki/Castor_and_Pollux "Castor and Pollux") and [Iphimedeia](/wiki/Iphimedeia "Iphimedeia"), mother of the [Aloadae](/wiki/Aloadae "Aloadae") by Poseidon.[\[12\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_298–320-12) Odysseus then sees a list of women whom he only briefly mentions: [Phaedra](/wiki/Phaedra_(mythology) "Phaedra (mythology)"), [Procris](/wiki/Procris "Procris"), [Ariadne](/wiki/Ariadne "Ariadne"), Maera, [Clymene](/wiki/Clymene_(mythology) "Clymene (mythology)"), and [Eriphyle](/wiki/Eriphyle "Eriphyle"), all also lovers of gods or heroes.[\[13\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_321–332-13) Next to visit Odysseus is [Agamemnon](/wiki/Agamemnon "Agamemnon"), the king of [Mycenae](/wiki/Mycenae "Mycenae"). Agamemnon tells Odysseus of his death by his wife, [Clytemnestra](/wiki/Clytemnestra "Clytemnestra"), and her lover [Aegisthus](/wiki/Aegisthus "Aegisthus"). He warns Odysseus to return to Ithaca in secret and be wary of his own wife.[\[14\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_385–461-14)

Odysseus then encounters [Achilles](/wiki/Achilles "Achilles"), who asks after the well-being of his father Peleus and his son [Neoptolemus](/wiki/Neoptolemus "Neoptolemus"). Odysseus reassures Achilles of his son's bravery in fighting the Trojans.[\[15\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_466–540-15) Odysseus then begins seeing figures of dead souls who do not talk directly to him: [Ajax](/wiki/Ajax_the_Great "Ajax the Great"), [Minos](/wiki/Minos "Minos"), [Orion](/wiki/Orion_(mythology) "Orion (mythology)"), [Tityos](/wiki/Tityos "Tityos"), [Tantalus](/wiki/Tantalus "Tantalus"), and [Sisyphus](/wiki/Sisyphus "Sisyphus").[\[16\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_550–600-16) Odysseus ends his visit with Heracles, who asks about Odysseus' intention in Hades. Odysseus begins to get fearful as he waits for more heroes and leaves.[\[17\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_601–640-17)

## The _Aeneid_

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=3 "Edit section: The Aeneid")\]

[![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Scene_from_Virgil%27s_Aeneid%3B_the_Cumaean_Sibyl_leads_Aeneas_t_Wellcome_V0042049.jpg/220px-Scene_from_Virgil%27s_Aeneid%3B_the_Cumaean_Sibyl_leads_Aeneas_t_Wellcome_V0042049.jpg)](/wiki/File:Scene_from_Virgil%27s_Aeneid;_the_Cumaean_Sibyl_leads_Aeneas_t_Wellcome_V0042049.jpg) The [Cumaean Sibyl](/wiki/Cumaean_Sibyl "Cumaean Sibyl") leads [Aeneas](/wiki/Aeneas "Aeneas") to the [Underworld](/wiki/Underworld "Underworld") for his katabasis in the _[Aeneid](/wiki/Aeneid "Aeneid")._

The _katabasis_ of [Virgil](/wiki/Virgil "Virgil")'s _Aeneid_ occurs in book 6 of the epic. Unlike Odysseus, Aeneas seeks to enter the Underworld, rather than bring the spirits of the dead to him through sacrifice. He begins his journey with a visit to the [Cumaean Sibyl](/wiki/Cumaean_Sibyl "Cumaean Sibyl") (a priestess of Apollo) and asks for her assistance to journey to the Underworld and visit his father.[\[18\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_1–124-18) The priestess tells him to find the [Golden Bough](/wiki/The_Golden_Bough_(mythology) "The Golden Bough (mythology)"), and if the branch breaks off in his hands, he is fated to go to the Underworld. She also tells Aeneas to bury his dead friend and prepare cattle for sacrifice.[\[19\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_125–155-19) When Aeneas reaches the forest to find the golden branch, he is guided by birds to the tree, and the branch breaks into his hand. The branch, however, does not easily break off as the Sibyl said would happen to a person fated to go to the Underworld – the branch is described as " _cunctantem_" ("hesitant"). The implications of this have been debated by scholars – some arguing that it means that Aeneas is not as heroic as he needs to be, others arguing that Aeneas has not yet fulfilled his destiny, and several arguing that he is still a hero, with this section added purely for drama. Aeneas buries Misenus and he and the Sibyl prepare a sacrifice to enter the Underworld.[\[20\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_176–267-20)

Aeneas first encounters several beings and monsters as he enters: Sorrows, Heartaches, Diseases, Senility, Terror, Hunger, Evil, Crime, Poverty, Death, Hard Labor, Sleep, Evil Pleasures of Mind, War, Family Vengeance, Mad Civil Strife, [Scylla](/wiki/Scylla "Scylla"), [Briareus](/wiki/Hecatoncheires "Hecatoncheires"), the [Hydra](/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra "Lernaean Hydra"), the [Chimaera](/wiki/Chimera_(mythology) "Chimera (mythology)"), the [Gorgons](/wiki/Gorgon "Gorgon"), the [Harpies](/wiki/Harpy "Harpy"), and [Cerberus](/wiki/Cerberus "Cerberus").[\[21\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_268–294-21) Next, Aeneas encounters [Charon](/wiki/Charon_(mythology) "Charon (mythology)"), the ferryman who leads souls into the Underworld, and the mass of people who are unburied.[\[22\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_295–332-22) His first conversation is with [Palinurus](/wiki/Palinurus "Palinurus"), a man of his crew who fell overboard and died on their journey. Palinurus begs Aeneas to bury him so he can enter the Underworld.[\[23\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_337–383-23) The Sibyl convinces Charon to carry them across the river Styx in exchange for the golden bough.[\[24\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_384–416-24) Aeneas encounters Minos pronouncing judgment on souls and the souls that died for love: [Phaedra](/wiki/Phaedra_(mythology) "Phaedra (mythology)"), [Procris](/wiki/Procris "Procris"), [Eriphyle](/wiki/Eriphyle "Eriphyle"), [Evadne](/wiki/Evadne "Evadne"), [Pasiphae](/wiki/Pasipha%C3%AB "Pasiphaë"), [Laodamia](/wiki/Laodamia_of_Phylace "Laodamia of Phylace"), [Caeneus](/wiki/Caeneus "Caeneus"), and [Dido](/wiki/Dido "Dido").[\[25\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_426–451-25) Next, Aeneas sees heroes of battle: [Tydeus](/wiki/Tydeus "Tydeus"), Parthenopaeus, [Adrastus](/wiki/Adrastus "Adrastus"), [Glaucus](/wiki/Glaucus_(soldier) "Glaucus (soldier)"), [Medon](/wiki/Medon_(mythology) "Medon (mythology)"), Thersilochus, [Polyboetes](/wiki/Polybotes "Polybotes"), Idaeus, [Agamemnon](/wiki/Agamemnon "Agamemnon"), and [Deiphobus](/wiki/Deiphobus "Deiphobus").[\[26\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_477–534-26) The Sibyl then leads Aeneas to [Elysium](/wiki/Elysium "Elysium"), the place for the blessed. On the way, they pass the place for tortured souls and the Sibyl describes some of the tortured's fates. [Tityos](/wiki/Tityos "Tityos") has his liver eaten by a vulture daily. [Pirithous](/wiki/Pirithous "Pirithous") and [Ixion](/wiki/Ixion "Ixion") have a rock constantly hanging over them at all times. Many others face the punishment of moving rocks, being stretched, and being tied to wheels.[\[27\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_548–636-27) The two then enter the Estates of the Blessed, where they see a utopian land where heroes and good people reside. There, Aeneas finds his father, who tells him of the rich history of Rome to come.[\[28\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_637–901-28)

## The _Metamorphoses_

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=4 "Edit section: The Metamorphoses")\]

In [Ovid](/wiki/Ovid "Ovid")'s poetic collection of mythological stories, he includes accounts of _katabasis_ as well. In book 4, he includes an account of Juno's descent to Hades to bring her perceived justice to Ino.[\[29\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_432–479-29) Ovid describes Juno's path to the underworld, noting Cerberus' presence.[\[30\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_594–617-30) Juno seeks the Furies (Tisiphone, Megara, and [Alecto](/wiki/Alecto "Alecto")) to destroy the house of [Cadmus](/wiki/Cadmus "Cadmus"), namely Ino and her husband [Athamas](/wiki/Athamas "Athamas"). While in the underworld, Juno passes several souls who are being punished in Hades. Hades is also a person, and he needs to get rid of those souls because he needs them to fully recover ( [Tantalus](/wiki/Tantalus "Tantalus"), [Sisyphus](/wiki/Sisyphus "Sisyphus"), [Ixion](/wiki/Ixion "Ixion"), and the [Belides](/wiki/Daughters_of_Danaus "Daughters of Danaus")).[\[31\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_624–634-31) When the Furies agree to Juno's request, she happily returns to the heavens, where she is purified by Iris.[\[32\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_649–659-32)

[![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Orpheus_%26_Euridice.jpg/220px-Orpheus_%26_Euridice.jpg)](/wiki/File:Orpheus_%26_Euridice.jpg) Orpheus travels out of the Underworld followed by the shade of his wife, Eurydice

The next major _katabasis_ in the _Metamorphoses_ occurs in book 5 by [Proserpina](/wiki/Proserpina "Proserpina"), the daughter of [Ceres](/wiki/Ceres_(mythology) "Ceres (mythology)"), who is kidnapped by [Dis](/wiki/D%C4%ABs_Pater "Dīs Pater"). As Proserpina is picking flowers, Pluto falls in love with her and decides to grab her and take her to the underworld in his chariot. Worried about her now-missing daughter, Ceres becomes distraught and searches for Proserpina.[\[33\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_552–615-33)

When Ceres discovers the kidnapping, she goes to [Jove](/wiki/Jupiter_(mythology) "Jupiter (mythology)") to attempt to get Proserpina back. He agrees that she should be returned as long as Proserpina has not touched any food in the underworld. However, she has eaten pomegranate seeds, and cannot be returned to Ceres.[\[34\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_658–712-34) To ensure compromise between Ceres and Dis, Jove divides the year into halves and commands that Proserpina must spend equal parts of the year between her mother and her husband. From that point on, Proserpina makes annual trips to the underworld, spending half the year there.[\[35\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_739–746-35)

Ovid also briefly mentions the _katabasis_ of Hercules in book 7. Ovid is telling the etiological story of [Medea](/wiki/Medea "Medea")'s poison for [Theseus](/wiki/Theseus "Theseus"). When Hercules traveled to the Underworld to capture Cerberus as one of his [12 Labours](/wiki/Labours_of_Hercules "Labours of Hercules"), Cerberus spread white foam from his mouths, which grew poisonous plants.[\[36\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid20107:_575–595-36)

The _katabasis_ of [Orpheus](/wiki/Orpheus "Orpheus") in book 10 is the last major inclusion of the theme by Ovid in the _Metamorphoses_. Orpheus is distraught by the death of his wife, [Eurydice](/wiki/Eurydice "Eurydice"). He enters the Underworld through the Spartan Gates and visits Dis and Proserpina to beg for the return of his bride. Overcome by the heartfelt song of Orpheus, Proserpina calls Eurydice to leave with her husband–on the condition that he does not look back until he reaches the exit. When he looks back, his wife disappears, and he is pained by grief for her death a second time.[\[37\]](#cite_note-FOOTNOTEOvid201010:_1–110-37)

## Other examples in religious and mythological literature

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=5 "Edit section: Other examples in religious and mythological literature")\]

[![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Frederic_Leighton_-_The_Return_of_Persephone_%281891%29.jpg/170px-Frederic_Leighton_-_The_Return_of_Persephone_%281891%29.jpg)](/wiki/File:Frederic_Leighton_-_The_Return_of_Persephone_(1891).jpg) _The return of Persephone_, by [Frederic Leighton](/wiki/Frederic_Leighton "Frederic Leighton") (1891)

**Mesopotamian mythology**

- [Enkidu](/wiki/Enkidu "Enkidu"), in the Sumerian text _[Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and the Netherworld](/wiki/Gilgamesh,_Enkidu,_and_the_Netherworld "Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and the Netherworld")_ and in the final tablet of the Standard Babylonian _[Epic of Gilgamesh](/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh "Epic of Gilgamesh")_
- [Inanna](/wiki/Inanna "Inanna")/ [Ishtar](/wiki/Ishtar "Ishtar"), in an attempt to overthrow her sister, [Ereshkigal](/wiki/Ereshkigal "Ereshkigal"), queen of the netherworld
- [Nergal](/wiki/Nergal "Nergal"), to make amends for disrespecting [Ereshkigal](/wiki/Ereshkigal "Ereshkigal")

**Ancient Egyptian mythology**

- The Magician Meryre in _Papyrus Vandier_ (Posener, 1985)
- [Setne Khamwas and Si-Osire](/wiki/Setne_Khamwas_and_Si-Osire "Setne Khamwas and Si-Osire"), although this story originates from [Hellenistic Egypt](/wiki/Hellenistic_Egypt "Hellenistic Egypt") which mixed in Greek traditions as well

**Greek mythology and Roman mythology**

- [Adonis](/wiki/Adonis "Adonis") is mourned and then recovered by his consort [Aphrodite](/wiki/Aphrodite "Aphrodite")
- The god [Dionysus](/wiki/Dionysus "Dionysus"), to rescue [Semele](/wiki/Semele "Semele") from Hades,[\[38\]](#cite_note-38) and again in his role as [patron of the theater](/wiki/The_Frogs "The Frogs")
- [Heracles](/wiki/Heracles "Heracles") during his 12th labor, on which occasion he also rescued [Theseus](/wiki/Theseus "Theseus")
- [Heracles](/wiki/Heracles "Heracles"), to rescue [Alcestis](/wiki/Alcestis "Alcestis") from Hades
- [Orpheus](/wiki/Orpheus "Orpheus"), to rescue [Eurydice](/wiki/Eurydice "Eurydice") from Hades
- [Psyche](/wiki/Cupid_and_Psyche "Cupid and Psyche")
- [Pelops](/wiki/Pelops "Pelops"), son of [Tantalus](/wiki/Tantalus "Tantalus")[\[39\]](#cite_note-39)
- [Odysseus](/wiki/Odysseus "Odysseus")
- [Aeneas](/wiki/Aeneas "Aeneas"), to speak to his father in the _[Aeneid](/wiki/Aeneid "Aeneid")_
- [Theseus](/wiki/Theseus "Theseus") and [Pirithous](/wiki/Pirithous "Pirithous") try to abduct [Persephone](/wiki/Persephone "Persephone"); they fail, and only Theseus is rescued by [Heracles](/wiki/Heracles "Heracles")

[![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Nava_Jetavana_Temple_-_Shravasti_-_010_Devadatta_sinks_into_the_Ground_%289241742601%29.jpg/220px-Nava_Jetavana_Temple_-_Shravasti_-_010_Devadatta_sinks_into_the_Ground_%289241742601%29.jpg)](/wiki/File:Nava_Jetavana_Temple_-_Shravasti_-_010_Devadatta_sinks_into_the_Ground_(9241742601).jpg) [Devadatta](/wiki/Devadatta "Devadatta") pulled into [Avici](/wiki/Avici "Avici") after various transgressions against the [Buddha](/wiki/Buddha "Buddha")

**Hinduism**

- [Vedic religion](/wiki/Historical_Vedic_religion "Historical Vedic religion"): [Ushas](/wiki/Ushas "Ushas") (dawn) is liberated from the [Vala](/wiki/Vala_(Vedic) "Vala (Vedic)") by [Indra](/wiki/Indra "Indra")
- Emperor [Yudhishthira](/wiki/Yudhishthira "Yudhishthira") descends into [Naraka](/wiki/Naraka_(Hinduism) "Naraka (Hinduism)")

**Buddhism**

- [Avalokiteśvara](/wiki/Avalokite%C5%9Bvara "Avalokiteśvara")'s descent into a Hell-like region after taking on the bad karma of her executioner in pity
- [Kṣitigarbha](/wiki/K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha "Kṣitigarbha")
- [Phra Malai](/wiki/Phra_Malai "Phra Malai"), a [monk](/wiki/Bhikkhu "Bhikkhu") who travels to Hell to teach its denizens
- Several episodes of people, including [Devadatta](/wiki/Devadatta "Devadatta"), who are dragged alive into hell after committing misdeeds against the [Buddha](/wiki/Buddha "Buddha")
- [Moginlin](/wiki/Mulian_Rescues_His_Mother "Mulian Rescues His Mother"), who attempts to rescue his mother from starvation in the underworld

**Christianity**

- [Peter](/wiki/Saint_Peter "Saint Peter") in the [Apocalypse of Peter](/wiki/Apocalypse_of_Peter "Apocalypse of Peter")
- Thomas in the [Apocalypse of Thomas](/wiki/Apocalypse_of_Thomas "Apocalypse of Thomas")
- Jesus in the _[Pistis Sophia](/wiki/Pistis_Sophia "Pistis Sophia")_
- Paul in the [Apocalypse of Paul](/wiki/Apocalypse_of_Paul "Apocalypse of Paul")
- [Jesus](/wiki/Jesus "Jesus"), during the [Harrowing of Hell](/wiki/Harrowing_of_Hell "Harrowing of Hell"), described in the [Gospel of Nicodemus](/wiki/Gospel_of_Nicodemus "Gospel of Nicodemus")
- [Dante Alighieri](/wiki/Dante_Alighieri "Dante Alighieri") as protagonist of his own poem, the _[Divine Comedy](/wiki/Divine_Comedy "Divine Comedy")_

**Islam**

- Prophet [Muhammad](/wiki/Muhammad "Muhammad") in the _[Israʾ and Miʿraj](/wiki/Isra_and_Mi%27raj "Isra and Mi'raj")_ and _[Liber scalae Machometi](/wiki/Liber_scalae_Machometi "Liber scalae Machometi")_

**Mandaeism**

- [Hibil Ziwa](/wiki/Hibil_Ziwa "Hibil Ziwa")'s descent into the [World of Darkness](/wiki/World_of_Darkness_(Mandaeism) "World of Darkness (Mandaeism)") as he conquers [Ruha](/wiki/Ruha "Ruha")

**Norse religion and Finnish mythology**

- [Odin](/wiki/Odin "Odin")
- [Baldr](/wiki/Baldr "Baldr")
- [Hermóðr](/wiki/Herm%C3%B3%C3%B0r "Hermóðr")
- [Helreið Brynhildar](/wiki/Helrei%C3%B0_Brynhildar "Helreið Brynhildar")
- [Lemminkäinen](/wiki/Lemmink%C3%A4inen "Lemminkäinen")'s rescue from [Tuonela](/wiki/Tuonela "Tuonela") by his mother
- [Väinämöinen](/wiki/V%C3%A4in%C3%A4m%C3%B6inen "Väinämöinen")'s and other wizards several trips to [Tuonela](/wiki/Tuonela "Tuonela")

**[Welsh mythology](/wiki/Welsh_mythology "Welsh mythology")**

- [Pwyll](/wiki/Pwyll "Pwyll")'s descent into [Annwn](/wiki/Annwn "Annwn") in the Welsh _[Mabinogion](/wiki/Mabinogion "Mabinogion")_
- [Preiddeu Annwfn](/wiki/Preiddeu_Annwfn "Preiddeu Annwfn"), [King Arthur](/wiki/King_Arthur "King Arthur")'s expedition to [Annwfn](/wiki/Annwn "Annwn") as recounted in the _[Book of Taliesin](/wiki/Book_of_Taliesin "Book of Taliesin")_

**Other**

- [Japanese mythology](/wiki/Japanese_mythology "Japanese mythology"): [Izanagi](/wiki/Izanagi "Izanagi") and [Izanami](/wiki/Izanami-no-Mikoto "Izanami-no-Mikoto") in [Yomi](/wiki/Yomi "Yomi")
- [Maya mythology](/wiki/Maya_mythology "Maya mythology"): the [Maya Hero Twins](/wiki/Maya_Hero_Twins "Maya Hero Twins")
- [Ohlone mythology](/wiki/Ohlone_mythology "Ohlone mythology") (Native American): [Kaknu fights Body of Stone](/wiki/Ohlone_mythology#Chochenyo_(Kaknu_fights_Body_of_Stone) "Ohlone mythology")
- [Yoruba religion](/wiki/Yoruba_religion "Yoruba religion"): [Obatala](/wiki/Obatala "Obatala"), the [dying-and-rising god](/wiki/Dying-and-rising_god "Dying-and-rising god") of [Ifẹ̀](/wiki/Ife "Ife"), the Yoruba cultural centre
- Religion of the [Mongols](/wiki/Mongols "Mongols"): [King Gesar](/wiki/Epic_of_King_Gesar "Epic of King Gesar") launches an invasion into the realm of [Erlik](/wiki/Erlik "Erlik") to save soul of his mother
- Religion of the [Turks](/wiki/Turkic_peoples "Turkic peoples"): [Kyrgyz](/wiki/Kyrgyz_people "Kyrgyz people") hero Bolot, who goes underground under the rule of [Erlik](/wiki/Erlik "Erlik") to find the source as a result of supernatural events

## References

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=6 "Edit section: References")\]

01. ^ [_**a**_](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESerrano1999129–179_1-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESerrano1999129–179_1-1)[Serrano 1999](#CITEREFSerrano1999), pp. 129–179.
02. **[^](#cite_ref-2)**[Leeming 2005](#CITEREFLeeming2005), p. 98; [Edmonds III 2004](#CITEREFEdmonds_III2004), _passim_; [Collins & Fishbane 1995](#CITEREFCollinsFishbane1995), _passim_; and [Louden 2011](#CITEREFLouden2011), pp. 197–221
03. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197510:_504_–_11:_50_3-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 10: 504 – 11: 50.
04. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_51–83_4-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 51–83.
05. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_84–89_5-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 84–89.
06. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_90–137_6-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 90–137.
07. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_145–224_7-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 145–224.
08. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_235–259_8-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 235–259.
09. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_260–265_9-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 260–265.
10. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_266–270_10-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 266–270.
11. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_271–285_11-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 271–285.
12. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_298–320_12-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 298–320.
13. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_321–332_13-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 321–332.
14. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_385–461_14-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 385–461.
15. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_466–540_15-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 466–540.
16. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_550–600_16-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 550–600.
17. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHomer197511:_601–640_17-0)**[Homer 1975](#CITEREFHomer1975), 11: 601–640.
18. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_1–124_18-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 1–124.
19. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_125–155_19-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 125–155.
20. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_176–267_20-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 176–267.
21. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_268–294_21-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 268–294.
22. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_295–332_22-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 295–332.
23. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_337–383_23-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 337–383.
24. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_384–416_24-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 384–416.
25. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_426–451_25-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 426–451.
26. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_477–534_26-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 477–534.
27. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_548–636_27-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 548–636.
28. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVirgil20076:_637–901_28-0)**[Virgil 2007](#CITEREFVirgil2007), 6: 637–901.
29. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_432–479_29-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 4: 432–479.
30. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_594–617_30-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 4: 594–617.
31. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_624–634_31-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 4: 624–634.
32. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20104:_649–659_32-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 4: 649–659.
33. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_552–615_33-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 5: 552–615.
34. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_658–712_34-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 5: 658–712.
35. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20105:_739–746_35-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 5: 739–746.
36. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid20107:_575–595_36-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 7: 575–595.
37. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOvid201010:_1–110_37-0)**[Ovid 2010](#CITEREFOvid2010), 10: 1–110.
38. **[^](#cite_ref-38)**[Graves](#CITEREFGraves), p. 27 k cites [Pausanias](/wiki/Pausanias_(geographer) "Pausanias (geographer)") _[Description of Greece](/wiki/Pausanias_(geographer)#Work "Pausanias (geographer)")_ [2.31.2](http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/pausanias-bk2.html)
39. **[^](#cite_ref-39)**Cartwright, Mark. ["Tantalus"](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tantalus/). _World History Encyclopedia_. Retrieved 2022-12-06.

## Bibliography

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=7 "Edit section: Bibliography")\]

- Collins, John J.; Fishbane, Michae l, eds. (1995), _Death, Ecstasy, and Other Worldly Journeys_, State University of New York
- Edmonds III, Radcliffe G. (2004), _Myths of the Underworld Journey: Plato, Aristophanes, and the 'Orphic' Gold Tablets_, Cambridge University Press
- Freccero, John (1988), _The Poetics of Conversion_, Harvard University Press, p. 108, [ISBN](/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [0674192265](/wiki/Special:BookSources/0674192265 "Special:BookSources/0674192265")
- [Graves, Robert](/wiki/Robert_Graves "Robert Graves"), _[The Greek Myths](/wiki/The_Greek_Myths "The Greek Myths")_, p. 27. _k_\[ _[full citation needed](/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources#What_information_to_include "Wikipedia:Citing sources")_\]
- Homer (1975), _The Odyssey of Homer_, translated by Lattimore, Richmond, New York: Harper & Row
- Leeming, David (2005), _The Oxford Companion to World Mythology_ (online ed.), Oxford University Press, p. 98
- Louden, Bruce (2011), "Catabasis, Consultation, and the Vision: Odyssey 11, I Samuel 28, Gilgamesh 12, Aeneid 6, Plato's Allegory of the Cave, and the Book of Revelation", _Homer's Odyssey and the Near East_, Cambridge University Press
- Ovid (2010), _Metamorphoses_, translated by Martin, Charles, New York: W. W. Norton & Company
- Serrano, Pilar González (1999), ["Catábasis y resurrección"](http://www.ucm.es/info/seic/online/catabasis.htm), _Espacio, Tiempo y Forma, Serie II: Historia Antigua_, vol. 12, Madrid, pp. 129–179`{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( [link](/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher "Category:CS1 maint: location missing publisher"))
- Virgil (2007), _Aeneid_, translated by Ahl, Frederick, Oxford: Oxford University Press

## Further reading

\[ [edit](/w/index.php?title=Katabasis&action=edit&section=8 "Edit section: Further reading")\]

- Rachel Falconer, _Hell in Contemporary Literature: Western Descent Narratives since 1945_, EUP, 2005. On modern examples of katabases, or descents to Hell.
- Herrero de Jáuregui, Miguel (2023). _Catábasis: el viaje infernal en la Antigüedad_. Madrid: Alianza editorial. [ISBN](/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [9788411482080](/wiki/Special:BookSources/9788411482080 "Special:BookSources/9788411482080").

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