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The river Styx, Charon the Boatman and Cerberus guarding the portals of Hades. Scene from Wrath of the Gods.


Styx (stiks). The principal and most famous river of Hades, generally thought of as forming its border. When they first journeyed to the Underworld, the ghostly remains of the dead congregated on the near shore of the Styx, seeking passage from the ferryman Charon. If they presented a bribe, they were allowed to cross the river. If not, they roamed the near side for eternity.