Charon the Ferryman and other Psychopomps | True Scary Stories

Author: Sarah Powell and Tobie Jones
Published: Sun 30 Jul 2023
Episode Link: https://bio.link/twwp

Hello everyone, this will be the last episode we release on a Sunday until we return week commencing 14th August 2023!

There Charon stands, who rules the dreary coast –

A sordid god: down from his hairy chin

A length of beard descends, uncombed, unclean;

His eyes, like hollow furnaces on fire;

A girdle, foul with grease, binds his obscene attire

Virgil, Aeneid 6.298–301, as translated by John Dryden.

In Greek mythology, Charon, also known as the Ferryman of Hades, holds a prominent place as the guardian and transporter of the souls of the deceased across the river Styx. This legendary figure plays a crucial role in the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Greeks, offering a fascinating glimpse into their mythology and understanding of death.

According to myth, the river Styx formed the boundary between the mortal realm and the underworld, where the souls of the dead resided. To reach the realm of Hades, the god of the underworld, one had to cross the river Styx. This is where Charon came into play. He was tasked with ferrying the souls of the deceased across the river, allowing them to enter the realm of the dead.

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Research Link One

Research Link Two

Story One

Thanks so much for listening and we'll catch up with you again in a couple of weeks for some more true, scary stories.

Sarah and Tobie xx