Limbo

Limbo is a term used in religious, philosophical, and cultural contexts to denote an intermediate state, place, or condition between two realms, states, or categories. The word derives from the Latin limbus, meaning border or edge.

In Christian theological tradition, Limbo has referred to several hypothetical states. Historically, Limbo of the Fathers, or Abraham’s bosom, was described as a temporary repose for righteous souls who died before Christ. Limbo of the Infants was a proposed state for unbaptized infants who die without personal sin. Neither of these states is defined as dogma by the Catholic Church; they have been the subject of theological speculation. In modern Catholic thought, emphasis is placed on hope for salvation and on concepts such as baptism of desire or baptism of blood, and a definitive doctrine on limbo is not taught.

In literature and philosophy, limbo is often used more generally to denote any in-between or undecided condition. Dante placed a form of limbo in the Divine Comedy, as part of the first circle of Hell for virtuous non-Christians and unbaptized souls; the term has since entered common usage to describe a suspended or unresolved status.

In contemporary culture, limbo has been used as a title or theme in various works and media, including video games and films. The 2010 independent video game Limbo, developed by Playdead, uses the concept metaphorically to describe a state of uncertainty. The term remains a common metaphor for transitional or unresolved states in everyday language.