The Rivers of the Underworld in Greek Mythology
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The Ancient Greeks used their myths and legends to help them explain the world in which they lived. The Underworld is part of these stories because it served as a way to grasp the process of death and dying. To the Ancient Greeks, the Underworld was the place where people journeyed to once they passed on from this life. They believed that the soul detached from the body and moved on to the afterlife.
It is interesting to note, however, that the Ancient Greeks perceived the afterlife as being a physical location and was described as being either underneath the earth or at the edge of the sea. Since it was considered a physical location, its geography was well described. One of the most recognizable features is the fact that it had a series of rivers flowing into it. Here’s a look at each of these rivers:
River Styx
The River Styx is the most commonly known of all the rivers that flow into the Underworld. It is described as the most sinister of all the rivers, and is often referred to as the River of Hatred. The river itself is presided over by Styx, a goddess who bears the same name as the river. The River Styx was also described to circle around the world a total of seven times.
River Acheron
What’s interesting about the River Acheron is that, besides being part of the mythology of the Underworld, it is also a real river in Greece. It is referred to as the River of Pain or the River of Woe and it represented both of these emotions. This is also the main river where the Ferryman of the Underworld, would transport the souls into the afterlife. However, some sources do describe the River Styx as being the one where Charon rowed his boat into the afterlife.
River Lethe
The River Lethe is also one of the main rivers of the Underworld and in this case, the river itself represents forgetfulness. The goddess Lethe, the goddess of forgetfulness, presides over this river. In the Ancient Greek language, the world “lethe” meant oblivion, or forgetfulness. This area of the Underworld was thought to be the place where the virtuous souls would go to spend eternity.
River Phlegethon
This river is one of the most turbulent. Considered to be the River of Fire, Phlegethon is said to be the only river that travels deep into the Underworld, even deeper than the other four rivers. The area where this river leads is filled with fire and some sources refer to it as the place where the most evil souls go to rest.
River Cocytus
This final river is referred to as the River of Wailing. The River Cocytus is actually described as flowing into the River Acheron. However, it carries with it a separate emotion from the Acheron. It is the only River of the Underworld that doesn’t flow directly into it.
As you can see, the geography of the Greek Underworld is dependent on the rivers that flow into it. However, besides being part of the geography, each river had a specific purpose. For instance, the Acheron river is the one where souls would be rowed over by Charon, the Ferryman of the Underworld, in order to enter into the Underworld.
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Categorized in: Greek Mythology
This post was written by Greek Boston
