You are Tralus. For as long as you can remember, you loved Perina, the beautiful daughter of a local landowner. Only one cloud blighted this idyllic time; your rival for Perina's affections, Grakus. When Perina came of age, both you and Grakus proposed marriage. After careful consideration, Perina chose you and became your betrothed. However, Grakus was a vindictive fellow, he decided that if he could not have Perina, then no one would. He poisoned her, and then framed you for her murder. Found guilty by the priests, you were sentenced to death.
The priests bound you and carried out the sentence by throwing you down a deep well, knowing that if the fall didn't kill you, you would die of thirst, since the well was dry. You survived the fall, and for hours lay in agony. You resigned yourself to death, when Hades, God of the Underworld, appeared to you. “Mortal,” he said, “I sympathise with the injustice which you have suffered. However I will not interfere with affairs in the Overworld unless you prove yourself.” Make your way through my realm of Hades. Present yourself to me in the throne room of my castle bearing the statue of Aphrodite and I will restore Perina to you, and return you both to the Overworld. Grakus shall, then, take Perina's place. Fail, and you will never see her, or the Overworld again.” The god vanishes. You realise that your wounds have been healed and that you are no longer at the bottom of the well...