Gallery & Media
At a Glance
- Location: Between the Fields of Asphodel and the lower valleys
- Ruler: The Fates (in some accounts)
- Who visits: Those consumed by grief, loss and unfinished business
- Best time to visit: Dusk
- Travel time: On foot or by guide
- Danger level: ☠☠☠☠☠
- Key features: Endless plains, gentle mists, whispers of the past, memorial groves
- Not to be missed: The Lake of Reflections
The Traveller’s Guide
Overview
In Virgil’s telling, the Mourning Fields are where souls undone by love and grief walk hidden paths among myrtle groves. It is the quietest place in the Underworld, and the most beautiful in its sad, misty way.
Getting there
Head past the Fields of Asphodel and keep walking until the light turns silver and everyone starts sighing. You will know when you have arrived.
What to see
The Lake of Reflections, where the water shows what might have been. The memorial groves. Dido, who famously refused to speak to Aeneas here, and frankly, fair enough.
Local etiquette
Walk softly and keep your voice down. Do not tell anyone to “move on”; they have had literally forever to think about it.
