Hades And Elysium

Therion's 'Hades And Elysium' delves deep into the mythological realms of the Greek afterlife, painting a vivid picture of the soul's journey after death. The song opens with the somber tolling of bells, setting a melancholic tone as it describes the proximity to Hades' misty abode. The reference to 'Di inferi' and Charon, the ferryman of the dead, underscores the inevitability of crossing the Styx, the river that separates the living from the dead. This imagery evokes a sense of foreboding and the inescapable nature of death.

The lyrics further explore the sorrow and silence that envelop the souls in the underworld. The mention of Acheron, another river in the Greek underworld associated with pain and woe, amplifies the theme of grief. The 'moaning from the tongues of the ancients' suggests the eternal suffering and waiting for judgment that the spirits endure. The ultimate goal for these souls is to reach the Elysian fields, a paradisiacal realm reserved for the righteous and heroic. However, the journey is fraught with uncertainty, as the souls must navigate the potential curses of Tartarus, the deepest and most torturous part of the underworld.

The song also touches on the concept of time and memory, with 'fragments of today' being 'close but far away.' This reflects the transient nature of life and the fleeting moments that become mere memories. The repetition of this idea emphasizes the ephemeral quality of existence and the timelessness of the afterlife. Therion's use of rich mythological references and evocative language creates a hauntingly beautiful narrative that invites listeners to ponder the mysteries of life, death, and what lies beyond.