River Styx (Greek mythology)

The River Styx in Greek mythology is a divine boundary separating the world of the living from the underworld, ruled by Hades. It is often depicted as a dark, taboo-crossing river whose waters possess powerful, magical properties. Souls of the deceased must cross the Styx to reach the afterlife, with the help of Charon, the ferryman, who requires a coin for passage. The river is associated with themes of finality and transition, symbolizing the barrier between life and death. Its significance underscores the Greeks' perception of the afterlife as a solemn, separate realm.