Asphodel Fields

Lore & Background

The Asphodel Meadows is the location in the underworld where the majority of the deceased dwell. The name appears as far back as Homer's Odyssey (11.359), where it features in Odysseus' survey of the underworld (technically referred to here as the field of asphodel: ἀσφοδελὸς λειμών). It is unclear exactly what the ancients understood this "field" to be, with scholars divided between either associating it with the flower asphodel (genus, Asphodelus L.) or with a field of ash (basing this on the etymological construction of σφοδελὸς > σποδός, "ash").

In Their Own Story

In Homer's Odyssey Book 11, Odysseus surveys the underworld and encounters the field of asphodel (ἀσφοδελὸς λειμών). This is the earliest known reference to the Asphodel Meadows. The source does not provide any further narrative details about specific events or characters interacting with this location beyond its mention in Odysseus' journey.

Reader's Guide

The Asphodel Meadows is the location in the underworld where the majority of the deceased dwell. The name appears as far back as Homer's Odyssey (11.359), where it features in Odysseus' survey of the underworld (technically referred to here as the field of asphodel: ἀσφοδελὸς λειμών). It is unclear exactly what the ancients understood this "field" to be, with scholars divided between either associating it with the flower asphodel (genus, Asphodelus L.) or with a field of ash (basing this on the etymological construction of σφοδελὸς > σποδός, "ash").

Did You Know?

• The Asphodel Meadows is first referenced in Homer's Odyssey Book 11, line 359.
• The Greek term used in Homer is ἀσφοδελὸς λειμών, meaning 'field of asphodel'.
• Scholars disagree on whether 'asphodel' refers to the flower Asphodelus L. or derives from σποδός, meaning 'ash'.
• The Asphodel Meadows is where the majority of the deceased dwell in the underworld.
• Odysseus surveys this location during his journey through the underworld in Homer's Odyssey.