Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A river in the underworld: In Greek mythology, the Styx is the principal river of Hades, the realm of the dead. It forms the boundary between the world of the living and the underworld.
   • A sacred oath: The name "Styx" is also associated with the most binding oath a god could swear upon; to swear by the River Styx was an unbreakable vow.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The souls of the dead were ferried across the River Styx by Charon.
  • In the myth, Achilles was dipped in the River Styx to make him invulnerable.
  • The gods feared to break an oath sworn on the Styx.

Advanced Usage

• "to cross the Styx": a euphemism for dying.

  • The old king finally crossed the Styx after a long reign.

• "Stygian" (adj): derived from Styx, meaning extremely dark, gloomy, or hellish.

  • The cave was plunged into Stygian darkness.

Variants and Related Words

• Stygian (adjective): Of or relating to the River Styx; infernal, dark, and gloomy.
  • The dungeon had a Stygian atmosphere.

Synonyms

• The infernal river
• The river of hate (a translation of its meaning in Greek)

Notes on Meaning

• The Styx is not just a geographical feature in myth but a powerful symbolic entity representing the finality of death and the ultimate seriousness of divine promises. Its waters were thought to be poisonous.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) a river in Hades across which Charon carried dead souls