Plutarch on death

At the moment of death, the soul has the same experience as those who are initiated into the great mysteries... These are primarily random wanderings, painful detours, endless disconcerting journeys through the darkness. Then, before the end, the terror reaches its climax: shuddering, trembling, cold sweat, fright. However, at that point a marvelous light dawns and we pass on to the pure atmosphere of verdant meadows, over which songs and dances resound; sacred words and divine visions inspire a religious veneration. Thenceforth the initiate, in a state of perfection, becomes free and moves freely, celebrating the mysteries with a crown on his head. He lives with pure and holy men. He sees on earth the mass of those who are not initiated and purified; they batter and crush one another in the mire and the darkness, and in fear of death, persevere in evil doing for fear of what lies beyond. 

Plutarch (46-127),Treatise on the Soul.

Just a bit of a warm up before we rejoin Aeneas in his journey to the underworld.  Which journey, by the way, is facilitated by "the Sibyl feared by men" (VI.16).  If you've ever seen Amadeus, you might recall the dark and stormy ride set to Mozart's requiem.  That marvellous piece captures (I suggest) some of the darkness of entering the underworld, and the fear that strikes the Trojans as they watch the god possess the prophetess.  The Elysium fields are there as well, but such a dwelling place is not for all...

Dies iræ! dies illa
Solvet sæclum in favilla
Teste David cum Sibylla

Day of wrath, day that
will dissolve the world into burning coals,
as David bore witness with the Sibyl

(Franciscan trans)