Styx

The meaning of the word “Styx” comes from the Greek word “stugein” which means hate. So Styx translates to “River of hate”.

This river is separating the world of the living and the dead and it runs nine times through Hades (also known as hell or underworld). There are four other rivers running through it: Acheron, Cocytus, Phlegeton and Lethe. Ancient Greeks believed all humans ended up in Hades when they died. To get to Hades the dead had to be brought by Charon, the ferry man, by boat on the river Styx. Charon would only take the passengers that were properly buried with a coin in their mouth to be able to pay the ferry man. Cerebus (Hellhound with three heads) stands guard by the river. Styx was also important to the Greek gods who had to accredit the river for the irrevocable oath and if they broke their word they were forced to drink from it and lose their voice for nine years.

To learn more about the river "Styx" follow these links:

• • Source 1

  • Source 2