The Five Rivers of Hades

By Crusader1307

The Ancient Greeks were mindful of Geography. So much so, that Their skill as Travelers and Cartographers would even spill over into Their Mythology. And while fragmentary in places, many of these missing pieces would be taken up and filled in by The Ancient Romans as well as (much later), Medieval Writers. Aa all are well aware of the famed (or infamous) of waterways in Hades – as being The River Styx. This tributary had to be traversed via a paid ‘’ride’’ by Charon – The ‘’Ferryman’’. Once on the opposite shore, Souls were judged and sent to Their various ‘’just rewards’’.

But Styx it seems was NOT the only River in The Region. There were (5) such Rivers in Hades – each with a very specific purpose and integral to Hades ‘’overall operations’’. The prime River Styx was associated with ‘’Hate’’. This ‘’emotion’’ had many different meanings and was not necessarily one of intense dislike. It was probably more akin to the distaste at having died and no longer ‘’among The Living’’. The Following Rivers were identified as: Acheron, or The ‘’River of Sorrow and Woe’’, Cocytus - The ‘’River of Lamentation and Regret’’, Phlegethon - The ‘’River of Purging Fire’’ and Lethe – ‘’River of Forgetfulness and Oblivion’’. Each would be used in Judgement as a means of issuing ‘’punishment and pleasure’’ with regards to The Afterlife. Although known by The Ancient Romans, more emphasis was placed on The River Styx, than the other (4).