styx
/stiks/
Definition
- 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
-
(Greek mythology) a river in Hades across which Charon carried dead souls
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