2006-10-04 14:41:12 · 19 answers · asked by bryan_56th 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Charon
The ferryman of the Underworld river. Charon's only duty was to ferry the shades across the Underworld river of Styx. I am not certain if Charon was a minor god, spirit or just an immortal being.
Charon required only fare of one coin (obol) from each shade, to ferry the dead across. It was Greek custom to put a coin in the dead, before burial. The others, who couldn't pay, would wander restlessly for over hundred years before allowed across.
Normally Charon would allow the livings to cross. Psyche paid Charon to ferry her across Styx, as did Theseus and Peirithoüs. Heracles got away from paying Charon, by threatening the ferryman. Orpheus had also got a free ride, because of his enchanting music and voice.
Charon was often described as ancient looking man, clothed in loincloth.
2006-10-04 16:06:06 · answer #1 · answered by analystdevil 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ancient Greek Burial Rituals
2016-11-05 00:03:00 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost all myths and legends have some basis in practicality. The "door" to the sweat lodge always faces east --seeking illumination. In front of the door is the fire to heat the stones. Very meaningful, very spiritual. But as a practical matter, the wind generally blows from the west, so the smoke of the fire is blown away from the door.--useful myth. Teepee's are set up with door facing east to honor Sun, but also to catch the 1st light and warmth of a new day. ----Coins on eyes ? Pay the boatman honor the dead, but also keep the eyes closed.
2006-10-04 17:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jim at museum 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The coins were to pay Charon the boatman to take the soul across the river Styx into the underworld. If you didn't pay for the crossing, you could not enter the underworld.
Another version says the coins were placed under the tongue.
2006-10-05 03:31:03 · answer #4 · answered by jaelithe13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coins were placed in the eyes or mouths of the dead so that the person could pay Charon, the ferryman, to row them across the river Stix once they reached the afterlife.
2006-10-04 14:44:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So they would have money to pay the ferryman to carry them over the River Styx so they can go to Hades or the realm of the dead.
2006-10-04 20:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by kingofnarniaforever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This pays the toll to Charon, the spirit who ferries dead souls to Hades.
2006-10-08 10:15:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ferry man had to be paid when the soul travelled over the river styx.
2006-10-04 14:44:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wrong wrong wrong, coin for Charon is in or on the mouth, coins over both eyes are also for Charon but it is debatable, coins on both eyes to keep eyes closed is totally false. So coin on both eyes can be for Charon but this version is debatable, originally it's in or on the mouth.
2015-02-17 16:43:33 · answer #9 · answered by Louis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To pay the toll to Kehran (spelling?) The boatman who ferried the dead to the gates of judgement. This made sure that the dead came to attone for their sins.
2006-10-04 14:44:15 · answer #10 · answered by UNITool 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋