According to the Roman poet Virgil, the entrance to the underworld lies inside the Cave of the Sibyl, a hole cut into the cliff that circumscribes Lake Avernus, a volcanic lake northwest of Naples, Italy.
Outside the sibyl's cave, you can see a sign carved into stone:
The quote is from Virgil's Aeneid, Book VI, verses 42-4
Excisum Euboicae latus ingens rupis in antrum,
quo lati ducunt aditus centum, ostia centum;
unde ruunt totidem voces, responsa Sibyllae.
John Dryden translates:
"Thro' the hill's hollow sides: before the place,
A hundred doors a hundred entries grace;
As many voices issue, and the sound
Of Sybil's words as many times rebound."
From E. Fairfax Taylor's version:
"Into the lofty temple now with speed,—
A huge cave hollowed in the mountain's side,—
The priestess calls the Teucrians. Thither lead
A hundred doors, a hundred entries wide,
A hundred voices from the rock inside
Peal forth, the Sibyl answering. "
The modern visitor is provided a map of the inner labyrinth:
Unfortunately, this map only charts the upper chambers of the cave, and does not include the netherworld below.
For that, you're advised to bring a well-worn copy of Dante's Inferno.
Shall we go inside?
Cougar Cruise to Roar Again with Royal Caribbean
14 years ago
11 comments:
I don't really want to go inside, but if I send my questions, will someone else take them for me?
I get a bit creeped out just thinking of an underground labyrinth. If you go, be sure to unwind a ball of string ala Theseus to find your way back out!
Gee you two are wimps ROFL. I'd be happy to go, with a tall dark handsome karate expert...
There are no karate experts in my novel, but there is a Knight Templar who leads my pilgrims down into the Inferno.
Karate expert, Knight Templar...either will do in a pinch..lol. Another place I can add to my " Places I'd like to see" list.
That's pretty cool -- I had no idea the entrance to the underworld was so accessible. :)
Fascinating! I've brought breadcrumbs, I'll follow you down, Hansel...
I'll go. Just let me just get my camera and some bread crumbs!
I'll let everyone take a peek, while I guard the entrance. Hopefully the local government doesn't lose too many visitors to the labyrinth, it could cause marketing problems.
Such wimpy dimpys you all are!!
it's just like a big underground mase!!! just think, being alone with history, and possibly a cute man to help with, things...
devils-lair-novel.blogspot.com is very informative. The article is very professionally written. I enjoy reading devils-lair-novel.blogspot.com every day.
instant cash loan
online payday loans
Post a Comment