Tartarus

In Greek mythology, Tartarus is the deep abyss that is used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked and as the prison for the Titans. It is located far beneath the underworld (Hades).

The Prison of the Titans

Following the Titanomachy, the great cosmic war between the Olympians and the Titans, Zeus and the victorious Olympian gods cast the defeated Titans into Tartarus. The Hundred-Handed Ones (Hecatoncheires) were appointed as guards of its bronze gates.

Prominent figures imprisoned or associated with Tartarus include:

• Cronus: The former king of the Titans.
• Iapetus: A prominent Titan who was cast into the abyss along with his brothers.
• Typhon: The monstrous serpent-giant cast into Tartarus by Zeus after his rebellion.

Geography

According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Tartarus is as far below Hades as the earth is below the heavens. It would take a bronze anvil nine days and nights to fall from heaven to earth, and another nine days and nights to fall from earth to Tartarus.