In the Underworld, where were the heroes known to be punished?

Tartarus is the correct answer because it is the part of the Underworld specifically designated for the punishment of the wicked, including heroes who have committed grave offenses against the divine or humanity. In Greek mythology, Tartarus is depicted as a deep, gloomy pit beneath the earth, far removed from the world of the living. It is where the most severe punishments are inflicted, often involving eternal torment.

The other locations mentioned serve different purposes in the context of the afterlife. Elysium is reserved for the righteous and heroic figures who are rewarded for their good deeds, while the Asphodel Meadows represents a more neutral area where indifferent souls reside, neither punished nor especially rewarded. The Fields of Punishment, while similar in function, are not as widely referenced in classical texts as Tartarus when discussing severe punishment, making Tartarus the most recognized and appropriate choice for heroes facing consequences for their actions.