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the god though realised why the pair had entered into his domain and trapped them in the two Chairs of Forgetfulness. Theseus was only rescued from his chair by the efforts of another hero, Heracles. Heracles had made his way into Hades in order to complete his twelfth task of kidnapping Cerberus.

Orpheus also entered Hades in search of his deceased wife, Euridice. Euridice had died as a result of a snake bite, and Orpheus sought to bring her back to the surface world. Orpheus had acquitted himself well as a member of the crew on the Argo, and used his skill as a musician to get pass both Charon and Cerberus. He was able to plead his case in front of Persephone and Hades, and Persephone gave him his chance to regain his lost love. Orpheus though had to return to the surface without looking back, something that he was unable to do, as he sought to see Euridice before exiting Hades, and so lost her forever.

Few people were allowed to leave Hades once they had entered, although Persephone and Adonis were to spend parts of their lives below and above ground. One of the most famous tales of an escapee though is that of Sisyphus. Sisyphus, a king of Thessaly, had been a sent to Tartarus for his crimes against gods and men, he tricked Persephone though in releasing him for a short time to speak to his wife. He was though supposed to return immediately afterwards, but refused. His escape though was short lived though, as Hermes forced him to return.

There are other famous tales of Greek heroes venturing into Hades, including Odysseys and Aeneas. Both though only travelled to seek advice, and neither entered the furthest reaches of the Underworld.

As previously said the story and geography of Hades, the Underworld, is not an easy one to put down in writing. The account provided here is but a small description of what Hades was, and is only one version of a storyline that can be very complex.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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