The Alcyonian Lake is a deep body of water, situated in Greece. The bottom of this lake contains a gate to the Underworld, which makes the place accessible to those that are living.
The lake appeared twice on Xena: Warrior Princess: once in "Mortal Beloved", where Xena used it to gain access to the Underworld, in order to meet Marcus and retrieve the Helmet of Invisibility. The second time was in "God Fearing Child", where Xena and Gabrielle gained access to the Underworld, only this time, it was in order to steal the Helmet to hide from the Olympians, but they were side tracked when they discovered Solan was not in the Elysian Fields.
Mythology
The myth of Alconian Lake, or Alcyonian Lake, involves it being a portal to the Underworld, specifically used by Dionysus to retrieve his mother Semele from Hades. It's described as a bottomless, perilous lake near Lerna, where heroes could descend to the underworld. The lake's depth was said to be unfathomable, with no one able to reach the bottom.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Portal to Hades: Alcyonian Lake was a known passage to the Underworld, used by Dionysus to rescue his mother, Semele, who died in a lightning bolt after asking Zeus to reveal his true form.
- Perilous and Fathomed: Pausanias describes the lake as bottomless and dangerous, with no one ever reaching the bottom despite attempts by Nero and others. He also notes that even seemingly calm waters could suck swimmers into the depths.
- Location: The lake is associated with Lerna, a swampy area where Heracles battled the Hydra.
- Dionysus's Journey: Dionysus is said to have dived into the lake to retrieve Semele, highlighting the lake's significance as a gateway to the underworld.
- Mystery and Rituals: The area around the lake, including Lerna, was a site of mystery cults and rituals involving the god Dionysus, including offerings to the "Keeper of the Gate".