In Greek mythology, Styx is a deity and a river that forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld (Hades). Here are some key points about Styx:
- The River: The River Styx is one of the five rivers in the Greek Underworld. It is known as the river of hatred, and the gods swore their most binding oaths by it. It was believed that the waters of the Styx could make one invulnerable. The hero Achilles was famously dipped into the Styx by his mother Thetis, rendering him nearly invincible except for his heel.
- The Deity: Styx is also personified as a goddess, a daughter of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. She sided with Zeus during the Titanomachy, the war between the Titans and the Olympian gods. As a reward, Zeus granted her children high honors and decreed that oaths sworn by the Styx would be unbreakable.
- Children of Styx: Styx’s children include Nike (Victory), Cratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Zeal). These deities are often associated with Zeus and played significant roles in Greek mythology.
- Role in the Underworld: The Styx river is often depicted as a barrier that souls must cross to enter the Underworld. Charon, the ferryman, transports souls across the Styx in his boat, provided they have a coin for payment, traditionally placed in the mouth of the deceased.
Styx plays a crucial role in Greek mythology, symbolizing the separation between life and death and representing the power and sanctity of oaths.