Episode 93: Damnation, Retribution and Redemption - Hell Planes and Purgatory in Speculative Fiction

 

The idea of hell and eternal punishment is rich fodder for the writer of speculative fiction but just where does this idea really come from? Is it entirely a religious centric idea or did it originate in a far older human need for a different archetype? This week the dragons look at the deep seated human desire for retribution, at the 'punishments fitting crimes' with a brief tour through the new trend of 'public execution' via twitter. How is this reflected in speculative fiction and what does this tell us about our ability to process our desire for revenge and punishment? On the slab this week - Preacher, Lucifer, Dante's The Divine Comedy and Thomas Moore's Utopia.

 

Title Music - Ecstacy by Smiling Cynic