Locus amoenus
Latin for "pleasant place", locus amoenus is a literary term which generally refers to an idealized place of safety or comfort. A locus amoenus frequently is a pastoral place, with connotations of Eden.
The term originates from Aristotle's discussion of the pastoral in "Poetics" (384 B.C.), but the concept is far older and is already found in Homer's works.
In Ovid's Metamorphoses, the function of the locus amoenus is reverted. Instead of offering a respite from dangers, it is itself usually the scene of violent encounters. [1]
In Beowulf, Heorot is a locus amœnus until it is attacked by Grendel.
In Shakespeare, the locus amoenus is the space that lies outside of city limits. It is where erotic passions can be freely explored, away from civilization and thus hidden from the social order which acts to suppress and regulate sexual behavior. It is mysterious and dark, a feminine place, as opposed to the rigid masculine civil structure. See William Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream", "As You Like It", and "Titus Andronicus".
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