Elysian Fields: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘Elysian Fields’ mean?
The idiom "Elysian Fields" refers to a blissful or ideal place or state, often used to describe heaven or a perfect and peaceful afterlife.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "paradise on earth" means a place or situation that is considered to be perfect, beautiful, and resembling paradise.
The idiom "edge of the earth" is used to describe a feeling of being in a remote, isolated, or faraway place, as if one is at the very limit or furthest point of existence or civilization.
The idiom "den of iniquity" refers to a place or establishment that is known for its immoral or sinful activities.
The idiom "delight in" means to take great pleasure or enjoyment in something. It expresses a strong positive emotion or satisfaction towards a particular activity, situation, or person.
The idiom "days of yore" refers to a past time, often with nostalgia, when things were different or better. It is used to evoke memories or romanticize a bygone era.
The idiom "concrete jungle" refers to a modern and urbanized place that lacks natural elements and is dominated by buildings and infrastructure.
The idiom "cloud nine" means being in a state of extreme happiness or euphoria.
The idiom "center field" refers to the central position, typically from which a person or team operates. This can be both in a physical sense, such as in sports, as well as metaphorically, representing a place of influence or control.
Journey to Paradise
The idiom "Elysian Fields" is rooted in Greek mythology and represents a place of perfect happiness and tranquility after death. In Greek culture, Elysium, or the Elysian Fields, was believed to be a paradise reserved for heroes and those favored by the gods. This concept originated from the works of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who described the Elysian Fields as a land of eternal spring, abundance, and bliss located on the western edge of the Earth where the sun sets.
Throughout history, the idea of the Elysian Fields has been referenced in various literary works, including those by Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. In Homer's "Odyssey," Elysium is mentioned as the destination of Peleus' soul, father of the legendary hero Achilles. These references highlight the belief in Elysium as a heavenly afterlife where one can find eternal happiness and peace.
Over time, the concept of the Elysian Fields has evolved from a physical place to a metaphorical one. Today, it represents a state of bliss, happiness, or any idealized peaceful and idyllic setting. It is commonly used in English literature, poetry, and everyday speech to describe a place or situation that is perceived as perfect, peaceful, or utopian.
One example of the idiom "Elysian Fields" can be found in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire." In this play, the character Blanche Dubois refers to her ancestral home in Mississippi as the "Elysian Fields," symbolizing her longing for a better life and escape from her troubled past. This usage conveys the desire for a happier existence and the search for a sanctuary away from the harsh realities of life.
The idiom "Elysian Fields" is deeply associated with the notion of paradise and utopia. Its origins in Greek mythology and its metaphorical usage in literature and everyday language make it a captivating and evocative phrase that continues to resonate with people. Whether expressing a longing for a better place, describing a perfect setting, or simply evoking a sense of tranquility, the idiom "Elysian Fields" remains a powerful and enduring symbol.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom Elysian Fields can be used in a sentence:
- The retired couple moved to a small coastal town, where they found their own Elysian Fields with breathtaking ocean views.
- After a long day at work, Sarah likes to escape to her garden, a tranquil Elysian Fields where she can relax and unwind.
- During the summer vacation, the cabin in the mountains became our Elysian Fields, a place of peace and nature away from the city.
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