River Cocytus
Definition
Proper noun 1. A river in the underworld of Greek mythology: In classical mythology, Cocytus is one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld (Hades). It is often described as the "river of wailing" or lamentation.
Usage
- River Cocytus is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this mythological river. It is often preceded by the definite article "the".
- It is primarily used in discussions of classical mythology, literature, and art.
Examples
- In Dante's , the frozen River Cocytus forms the lowest circle of Hell, where traitors are punished.
- The souls of the unburied dead were said to wander the banks of the Cocytus for a hundred years.
- Virgil describes the Cocytus as a marshy branch of the river Styx.
Advanced Usage
- Literary Symbolism: The name Cocytus is often used in literature as a symbol of profound grief, despair, or a frozen, desolate state.
- His heart was a frozen Cocytus, devoid of all warmth or pity.
Variants and Related Words
- Cocytus: The most common form, often used without the word "river" as it is inherently understood to be one.
- Kokytos: A transliteration of the original Greek name (Κωκυτός).
Synonyms
- River of Lamentation: A descriptive synonym based on its mythological function.
- River of Wailing: Another common descriptive name for it.
Different Meanings
This term has only one specific meaning related to Greek and later (e.g., Dante's) mythology. It does not refer to any physical, geographical river.
Noun
-
(Greek mythology) a river in Hades that was said to be a tributary of the Acheron
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