The underworld, also called the netherworld or hell, is the place where the dead live in many religious beliefs and myths. It is located below the world where living people live. The word "chthonic" is used to describe things related to the underworld.

The idea of an underworld appears in nearly every culture and could be as old as human history. Many myths describe living people traveling to the underworld, usually for an important mission. Some stories say that souls must go through certain rituals, like proper ceremonies, to enter the underworld. For example, in ancient Greek stories, the recently dead Patroclus troubled Achilles until his body was buried correctly. People of high rank were given special clothing and tools to help them move through the underworld.

In some mythologies, the soul of the deceased must travel to the underworld alone. To reach this place, the dead often need to cross a major barrier, such as a lake or river. Art from ancient and modern times often shows these journeys. The journey to the underworld is considered the most important myth for many Modernist writers.

By religion

This list shows places in the afterlife from different religions, along with links to related articles: /think

Underworld figures

This list shows leaders or protectors of the underworld in different religions, along with links to related articles.