This volume explores the fascinating belief systems about death and the afterlife from cultures around the world, from antiquity to modern times. As humans, nothing affects us more deeply than our own mortality. This volume examines how people throughout the ages have come to terms with the transitory nature of our existence.

Evidence from burial sites dating back to the era of cavemen and continuing through ancient societies shows us the care and thought that went into mourning death and preparing loved ones for the next stage of their journey. Literary texts from many cultures describe in great detail journeys made to the underworld or other lands occupied by the dead. Spells and offerings were made to appease angry spirits, mediums and shamans spoke with the dead on behalf of the living, and people prayed to their ancestors for assistance in the world of the living. These practices are mirrored today, often assisted by technology, in digital funeral services, or even in “grief bots” created to “interact” with the deceased. The ever-present quest for immortality has generated hopes for a permanent form of consciousness that can be somehow merged with technology.

Legends from Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, the Near and Far East, the Americas, Europe, the Pacific and Oceania, India, Egypt, as well as Greek and Roma mythology are discussed. Illustrations, maps, and indexes round out this informative collection.