Underworld vs. Hell — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Underworld" refers to a mythical realm of the afterlife, varying across different cultures; "Hell" specifically denotes a place of punishment and torment in Christian theology.
Difference Between Underworld and Hell
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Key Differences
In Greek mythology, the underworld, known as Hades, is where all souls reside regardless of moral conduct, whereas Hell, in Christian belief, is reserved for those deemed unworthy of Heaven.
The underworld can be part of a complex structure of the afterlife that includes areas of punishment and reward, while Hell is singularly known for its role as a place of suffering and retribution.
Cultural representations of the underworld often depict it as a shadowy version of the living world, on the other hand, Hell is frequently portrayed with fiery imagery and demonic figures.
While "underworld" has a broader application in terms of cultural mythology, serving various roles in narratives, "Hell" is specifically associated with moral and ethical judgment and the consequences of sin.
Comparison Chart
Cultural Origin
Various, including Greek, Egyptian
Predominantly Christian
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Moral Connotation
Neutral or varied
Negative, associated with punishment
Representation
Often a mirror of the living world
Depicted as fiery and tormenting
Associated Deities
Hades, Osiris
Satan, demons
Compare with Definitions
Underworld
Used metaphorically to describe a suppressed or secret layer of society.
The novel explores the underworld of corporate espionage.
Hell
In theology, a place of eternal punishment.
Dante's Inferno describes the nine circles of Hell.
Underworld
A hidden subculture or social realm.
He delved into the criminal underworld of the city.
Hell
A state or place of great disorder.
After the earthquake, the city was a living hell.
Underworld
A domain ruled by specific deities or spirits in myths.
In Egyptian mythology, the underworld is ruled by Osiris.
Hell
Used metaphorically to describe severe suffering or conditions.
The survivors described the war zone as hell.
Underworld
In film and literature, a realm distinct from the human world.
The movie depicted a journey through a fantastical underworld.
Hell
Often used to emphasize severity or an extreme state.
The kitchen was a hell of a mess after the party.
Underworld
A region, realm, or dwelling place conceived to be below the surface of the earth.
Hell
In colloquial use, an expression of frustration or difficulty.
Getting through the bureaucracy was hell.
Underworld
(Archaic) The world beneath the heavens; the earth.
Hell
Used for emphasis or to express anger, contempt, or surprise
Who the hell are you?
Oh, hell—where will this all end?
Underworld
The part of society that is engaged in and organized for the purpose of crime and vice.
Hell
A state of separation from God; exclusion from God's presence.
Underworld
That part of society that is engaged in crime or vice.
Hell
A situation or place of evil, misery, discord, or destruction
"War is hell" (William Tecumseh Sherman).
Underworld
(video games) The portion of a game that is set below ground.
Hell
An extremely difficult experience; torment or anguish
Went through hell on the job.
Underworld
The lower of inferior world; the world which is under the heavens; the earth.
That overspreads (with such a reverence)This underworld.
Hell
The spirits in hell or the powers of evil
All hell could not stop him.
Underworld
The mythological place of departed souls; Hades.
Hell
(Informal) One that causes trouble, agony, or annoyance
The boss is hell when a job is poorly done.
Underworld
The portion of the world which is below the horizon; the opposite side of the world; the antipodes.
Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,That brings our friends up from the underworld.
Hell
A sharp scolding
Gave the student hell for cheating.
Underworld
The inferior part of mankind.
Hell
A tailor's receptacle for discarded material.
Underworld
The criminal class
Hell
(Printing) A hellbox.
Hell
An outstanding or noteworthy example
You are one hell of a good cook.
Hell
Used as an intensive
How the hell should I know?.
Hell
Used for intensive effect in idioms such as beat the hell out of (someone) for beat (someone) very badly.
Hell
(Archaic) A gambling house.
Hell
To behave riotously; carouse
Out all night helling around.
Hell
Used to express anger, disgust, or impatience.
Hell
A place or situation of great suffering in life.
My new boss is making my job a hell.
I went through hell to get home today.
Hell
(countable) A place for gambling.
Hell
(figuratively) An extremely hot place.
You don’t have a snowball's chance in hell.
Hell
Used as an intensifier in phrases grammatically requiring a noun.
I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more.
What the hell is wrong with you?!
He says he’s going home early? Like hell he is.
Hell
(obsolete) A place into which a tailor throws shreds, or a printer discards broken type.
Hell
Something extremely painful or harmful (to)
That steep staircase is hell on my knees.
Hell
Used to express discontent, unhappiness, or anger.
Oh, hell! I got another parking ticket.
Hell
Used to emphasize.
Hell, yeah!
Hell
Used to introduce an intensified statement following an understated one; nay; not only that, but.
Do it, or, rest assured, there will be no more Middle Eastern crisis – hell, there will be no more Middle East!
Hell
(postpositional) nodot=a or like hell.
Hell
To add luster to; to burnish (silver or gold).
Hell
(rare) To pour.
Hell
A place where outcast persons or things are gathered
Hell
To overwhelm.
Hell
Any place of pain and turmoil;
The hell of battle
The inferno of the engine room
When you're alone Christmas is the pits
Hell
A cause of difficulty and suffering;
War is hell
Go to blazes
Hell
(Christianity) the abode of Satan and the forces of evil; where sinners suffer eternal punishment;
Hurl'd headlong...To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
A demon from the depths of the pit
Hell
Violent and excited activity;
They began to fight like sin
Hell
Noisy and unrestrained mischief;
Raising blazes
Common Curiosities
What are common features found in depictions of the underworld?
Often features rivers, shadowy landscapes, and gates.
Can "underworld" have positive connotations?
Yes, in some cultures, it's merely a continuation of existence rather than a place of torment.
What differentiates the underworld from Hell in terms of purpose?
The underworld may serve as a place of residence for all deceased, while Hell is specifically for punishment.
What role does Satan play in Hell?
Typically, he is portrayed as the ruler or a significant figure within Hell.
Are there any common representations of Hell across different cultures?
While varied, many depict Hell as a place of fire and suffering.
Can "Hell" be used in a non-religious context?
Yes, often to express extreme conditions or emotions.
How do different religions view the underworld?
Views vary widely, from a complex realm with various areas to simpler concepts.
How does Christian theology describe Hell in the Bible?
As a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" indicating eternal suffering.
Is there an equivalent of Hell in other religions?
Concepts like Naraka in Hinduism and Buddhism share similarities.
Is Hell always associated with fire?
In many Western cultures, yes, but not universally.
How is the underworld typically accessed in mythology?
Often through caves, rivers, or special rituals.
What literary works explore the concept of the underworld?
Works like "The Odyssey" and "The Divine Comedy."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
