Avernus
1
9.9
A lake in Italy famous in Roman myths as an entrance to the underworld
- proper noun
- Literature
:
Averno
- Avernus is often depicted in ancient texts as a dark and foreboding lake in Italy.
Examples
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According to legend, Avernus is known as a gateway to the underworld in Roman mythology.
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No bird, it was said, could fly over Avernus and live.
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The ancient Romans believed that sacrifices made at Avernus would appease the spirits of the underworld.
Surface Forms
Avernus main
Etymology
Avernus comes from old Greek parts a- meaning 'without' and ornis meaning 'bird', because people saw birds die near the lake and said there were 'no birds' there. That's why the place became famous as an entrance to the underworld.