Cape Taenarum
placeCape Taenarum (modern Cape Matapan) at the southern tip of the Peloponnese was one of the most famous entrances to the underworld.
The Myth
A cave at Cape Taenarum was believed to lead directly to Hades. Heracles descended here to fetch Cerberus for his twelfth labour. Orpheus entered through Taenarum to retrieve Eurydice. A temple of Poseidon stood at the cape. The site was so associated with the underworld that fugitives and suppliants sought sanctuary there, and it served as a hiring place for mercenaries — men willing to enter the service of death. The cape remains the southernmost point of mainland Greece.
Symbols
Fun Fact
Cape Taenarum is the southernmost point of mainland Europe — the literal end of the land, making it a fitting entrance to the underworld.
Explore Further
Cerberus
creatureThe three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the underworld, preventing the dead from leaving and...
Eurydice
nymphEurydice was the nymph whose death drove Orpheus to descend to the underworld — only to lose her at...
Hades
godRuler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not evil —...
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Heracles
heroThe greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his...
Orpheus
heroThe greatest musician in Greek mythology, whose playing could charm animals, trees, and even...