Gates of Hell on Earth: Myth or Reality?. Hell, according to mythology and urban tales around the world, is not only a portion of the afterlife but also a realm that can be reached from this earthly plane. That is if you can find the correct volcano, abandoned city, or never-ending fire. Following are the gates of hell around the world.
Gates of Hell on Earth: Myth or Reality?
Turkmenistan’s Derweze
In the centre of Turkmenistan’s Karakum desert stands “The Door to Hell,” a flaming natural gas field that, for all intents and purposes, looks like a doorway to hell–and, let’s face it, could be. Geologists lit it on fire on purpose to stop the spread of methane gas. It has been blazing since 1971 and measures 230 feet in diameter.
Japan’s Mount Osore
According to some research, this mountain in northern Japan, which is infamous for emitting sulphur dioxide, has a gateway to Hell. Nearby lies Laku Usori, which, according to mythology, is actually the Sanzu River–the river that the deceased must cross before entering the hereafter. Oh, and in Japanese, the word “osore” also means “fear,” so there’s that.
Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park
Because it’s right there in the name, you know it’s real. Extreme geothermal activity can be found at the entrance of Hell, which is also a National Park. We’re talking about erupting volcanoes with plumes of geothermal steam shooting out–truly a sight to behold. Is it also a portal to the underworld?
Japan’s Mount Osore
According to some research, this mountain in northern Japan, which is infamous for emitting sulphur dioxide, has a gateway to Hell. Nearby lies Laku Usori, which, according to mythology, is actually the Sanzu River–the river that the deceased must cross before entering the hereafter. Oh, and in Japanese, the word “osore” also means “fear,” so there’s that.
Pennsylvania’s Hellam Township
A little township called Hellam is located near York, Pennsylvania, which makes sense because the word “hell” is right there in the name. Hellam is famous for an urban legend claiming that it is the true home of the Seven Gates of Hell. In one municipality, there are seven gates? You don’t say anything.
Ireland’s Purgatory of St. Patrick
Another urban legend claims that St. Patrick’s Purgatory, an old pilgrimage destination on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland, is not a gate to Hell but a doorway to purgatory. According to legend, Jesus Christ himself showed Saint Patrick a cave here and told him it was a purgatory entrance.
Hawaii’s Waipio Valley
You wouldn’t instantly assume, “Ah, this must be a doorway to Hell,” when you saw this lush, beautiful beach with its waterfalls and black sand. But reconsider. A gate to the “lower world,” Lua-o-Milu, is located there, according to Hawaiian legend. By leaping off one of the coastal cliffs, one can enter the Hawaiian kingdom of the dead, according to tradition.
Louisiana’s Gates of Guinee
According to voodoo mythology, after death, a person visits a purgatory known as Guinee before continuing on to their destiny to meet their ancestors. Many believers believe Guinee is a corporeal realm that may be a way to all seven gates of Hell in the “right” order.
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