Hell
The concept of an afterlife in many cultures includes the idea of a hell, or a place where the eternal soul is punished for misdeeds in their living days.
Hell is a non-place. It was not created with a purpose in mind, but rather it reflected the spirit of the first person to occupy it. Lucifer Morningstar, the Dawnbringer, the Left Hand of God, was the original rebel. His rebellion against Heaven was struck down and Lucifer fled that place. He found a dimension that was infinite and empty, bleak and cold and alone. He filled that dimension with his shame and anger and injustice, and it grew to reflect his spirit.
Many cultures have the concept of a punisher, or an 'adversary'. There have been many entities who claim that role, such as Chthon, an ancient First God. Another one, a dark New God named Mephisto, claims his own dimension and styles himself as Satan to bargain power and lure the cruel and the wicked to him. But those are creatures of the universe, and Hell truly exists outside our universe entirely.
Hell is a place that would be otherwise empty, save for it becoming a reflection of Lucifer's pain and penance. As other entities found Hell and occupied the land, it began reflecting their visions and personality as well. Parts of hell burn hot, and others are cold and sorrowful as ice slicking over a headstone. Some prefer Hell as a place where might *does* make right. Others hide there to avoid punishment, or even because they believe they are worthy of it. The only real power in hell is in subjugation, and the mightiest of the Lords of Hell rule their individual kingdoms and fight constantly for the souls that arrive in that land.
No one is actually ever sent to 'hell'. But spirits and entities that are unbound by physical tethers find themselves drawn to it, to a place that perfectly reflects their basest desires and opinions. Hell is ultimately a home for narcissists, and narcissists invariably see themselves as better than anyone else. It is a rare person who can surmount their own ego and recognize that they are punishing themselves because they are unable to let go of their own ego.
