Death and the Underworld
The only certainty is that we will all die one day. Indeed, time stops for human beings at the moment of death. This ultimate situation is reflected in the hope that all mythologies sustain: that there may be another life beyond death.
The Egyptians, for example, hoped to be reborn to a new life in the Field of Reeds, which was an idealized version of the Egypt they already knew. This belief was supported by the daily rebirth of Ra, the sun.
The Vikings believed that warriors who died in battle would take part alongside the gods in the feast of Valhalla, the palace with the golden roof, before fighting at the side of Odin, the Lord of Armies, in the final battle of Ragnarök. (See mitologiaescandinava)
Reaching Death and Beyond
Myths not only recount events after death but also describe the manner in which one arrives at it.
The Zulus say that everything is due to a mistake: the Great One sent the Chameleon, Unwabu, to announce to the people that they would live forever, but he was greatly delayed and was overtaken by Intulo, the lizard, bearer of a fatal message: all were destined to die.
There are also tales of heroes who attempt to overcome death, such as Gilgamesh (see mitologiasumeria) or the twin heroes of the Maya (see mitologiaamericana)