Desire is often described as an intense craving for something that is desired but difficult to obtain. It can be something tangible, like food or money, or something abstract, like love or knowledge. Erotic myths, particularly those involving the underworld, explore these desires through stories of adventure, struggle, and ultimate satisfaction. The theme of desire is prevalent in many cultural mythologies, including Greek, Norse, and Roman. Desire may take on different forms, such as lust, hunger, thirst, longing, curiosity, or ambition, but it always has one common characteristic - the yearning to possess what is out of reach. In this sense, the underworld serves as a metaphor for the realm of the unconscious mind where hidden desires reside.
One archetype of desire emerges from the story of Persephone and Hades, the goddess of springtime and her husband, the lord of the underworld. When Persephone was abducted by Hades and taken into his kingdom, she became trapped there forever. Her mother Demeter mourned so deeply that the earth became barren and all vegetation died. Zeus intervened and negotiated with Hades that Persephone could return to the upper world for half of each year, providing she consumed nothing while in the underworld.
Persephone had eaten some pomegranate seeds while there, binding her to Hades forever. This tale reflects the conflicting impulses between light and dark, life and death, fertility and decay, and the fear of loss.
Another example is Odin's quest for wisdom. He travelled far and wide, searching for knowledge and understanding. One day he found the well of Mimir, guarded by a headless giant. Odin sacrificed an eye to gain access to the well and drink its water, which gave him great wisdom. The price paid for knowledge represents a sacrifice of self, a willingness to give up something precious to attain what is desired. This archetype highlights the value placed on learning and the sacrifices made for it.
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice explores the power of love over death. Orpheus, a gifted musician, fell in love with Eurydice and married her quickly before she died suddenly from a snakebite. He followed her to the underworld to bring her back, but the gods demanded a test: he must walk ahead of her without looking back until they reached the surface. Orpheus succeeded but, unable to resist the urge to see his beloved, looked back at the last moment, causing her to vanish again. This myth illustrates the danger of desire and how it can lead to disaster if not tempered by restraint.
The theme of taboo also emerges from underworld erotic myths. Taboos are social conventions or rules that prohibit certain behaviors or beliefs considered improper or unacceptable. In some cultures, sex is seen as dirty or impure, and sexual acts are forbidden outside marriage. Others view sexuality as sacred and central to spiritual life. Underworld stories explore this dualism, where the boundaries between the permissible and impermissible become blurred.
In the Greek tale of Theseus' descent into Hades, he encounters various forms of sinful behavior, including adultery and incest, which are considered transgressions against social norms. The journey through the underworld suggests that such desires and transgressions may be present in everyone, even the most virtuous among us.
In Norse mythology, Freya's chariot is drawn by two cats, symbolizing female sexual power. She is associated with love, fertility, and warfare, representing both destructive and creative forces. Her temple was guarded by armed women who would kill any man who attempted to enter without permission. Similarly, in Roman mythology, Venus is a goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, but she is also known for her jealousy and revenge. Her story explores the dark side of human desires, such as lust, greed, and envy, which can lead to destructive outcomes.
Underworld erotic myths provide insights into our deepest longings, fears, and aspirations. They challenge us to examine what we value and why, and how we negotiate desire within society. By examining these archetypes and taboos, we gain greater understanding of ourselves and those around us.
What archetypes of desire and taboo emerge from underworld erotic myths?
Desire is one of the most common themes that appears in underworld erotic myths. The journey into the underworld often involves facing fears and desires as well as discovering new ways to satisfy them. Taboos are also frequently present in these stories, usually related to sexual behavior and relationships outside of traditional norms.