The Greek God, Charon (Kharon), is the ferryman of Hades. Those who passed away would have to cross the river Styx to reach the Underworld (Hades' realm), and Charon would take them on this journey. His fee for carrying the dead across to the Underworld was a single coin. This coin was placed in the mouth of the deceased prior to burial. Once their fare had been paid, Charon would carry the soul across the river. There they would face judgment before Hades for how they would spend the afterlife, either in Elysium and the Elysian Fields or in the depths of Tartarus.

In Greek art, Charon is depicted as wearing a conical hat and tunic. However, that quickly evolved into a cloak and hood similar to the image of the fabled Grim Reaper. He typically stands in his boat holding a pole. While often portrayed as an old, bearded man with a crooked nose and repulsive face, Charon was quite strong and wielded the pole of his ferry like a weapon, ensuring that those who had not paid his fee did not make it aboard.

[Note: In most Greek literary sources, the river of the underworld is referred to as Acheron. Roman poets and other literary sources call the river Styx, the one with which many are most familiar. Charon is associated with both rivers and serves them as ferryman, regardless of the name.]
Information summarized from greekgodsandgoddesses.net


Many of my fans are aware of my 'modern romance' with the Greco-Roman Pantheons... this was another fun venture there! Thank you for reading me! ;)



Image of 'Charon's Boat Poster' by Lourry Legarde at Fine Art America [fineartamerica.com]

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