Charon: The Ferryman to the Dead in Greek Mythology

Q: What is Charon a god of?

In Greek mythology, Charon is the boatman who ferries the souls of the dead across the waters of Hades to the judgement which will determine their final resting place.

Q: What does Charon symbolize?

Charon either symbolizes the transition to death (in Greek mythology) or death itself (in Etruscan mythology).

Mark Cartwright

Charon

The Ferryman to the Dead in Greek Mythology

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Definition

Charon is a figure from Greek mythology where he is the boatman who ferries the souls of the dead across the waters of Hades to the judgement which will determine their final resting place. The Greeks believed the dead needed a coin to pay Charon for his service and so one was placed in the mouth of the deceased.

More about: Charon

Timeline

c. 500 BCE
First known appearance of Charon on Greek pottery.

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