Trees in the Elysian Fields

TREES IN THE ELYSIAN FIELDS

According to Greek mythology,
there grew in the Elysian Fields
the white poplar, the cypress,
and the alder, the trees of death
and resurrection. The white
poplar was said to be the body of
Leuce, daughter of Oceanus, whom
Hades had brought to the underworld.
The cypress, because of its dark,
evergreen foliage, has long been
a universal emblem of death.
The alder betokens resurrection
because its wood resists water
longer than the wood of any other
deciduous tree.

Page 90 Sign of the Tree
Meinrad Craighead
1970s; Stanbrook Abbey; Ink on Scratchboard; 12×10; Mat is signed.

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