In various cultures, the journey to the underworld represents a rite of passage and an exploration of mortality. It often reflects the themes of death, rebirth, and the afterlife's mysteries. Heroes may undergo this journey to seek wisdom, confront lost loved ones, or redeem themselves after wrongdoings. These narratives, as seen in texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh or Orpheus and Eurydice, emphasize the cyclical nature of life and death, highlighting the constant connection between the living and the dead in human experience.