Definition of ELYSIAN

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In classical mythology Elysium, also known as the Elysian Fields, was the paradise reserved for the heroes immortalized by the gods. Ancient Greek poets imagined it as the abode of the blessed after death. The first known use of the place-name as a word for a blissful state enjoyed by mere mortals is found in Shakespeare's Henry V. Following the Bard, many other writers over the centuries have used "Elysium," as well as "Elysian Fields," to refer to paradisiacal places or states. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was the first to summon "Elysian" as an adjective for the blissful quality emanating from such places.

Examples of elysian in a Sentence

the dream of retiring to a tropical isle and enjoying a life of elysian ease

Recent Examples on the Web

Indie studio Humble Hearts is hard at work finishing Dust: An Elysian Tale, which stands among the most visually breathtaking 2-D games on any modern platform — despite being developed entirely by one man. — Ryan Rigney, WIRED, "Hands On: Dust: An Elysian Tail Has Pretty Talking Swords," 15 June 2012 Ms. Belilove herself often exemplifies the genre’s tragic, heroic side: Orpheus entering the Elysian fields, Liberty leading the people. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "Review: Sara Mearns Joins Isadora Duncan’s Maenads and Nymphs," 20 June 2017 The Elysian bash last Thursday night in the Quartyard, 1102 Market St., drew more than 100 people, many dressed in 10 Barrel merchandise. — Peter Rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "In the battle for East Village, did Anheuser-Busch open a second front?," 25 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elysian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.