In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the coin placed with the deceased for Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, was known as Charon’s Obol.
This coin was considered payment for the journey across the River Styx or Acheron into Hades, the realm of the dead.
Here’s what the mythology surrounding Charon’s obol involved:
- Payment for Passage: The main purpose of the coin was to pay Charon’s fare to cross the river separating the world of the living from the underworld.
- Preventing Wandering: Souls who could not pay were said to be condemned to wander the riverbanks for 100 years.
- Specific Coinage: The coin was usually a small denomination, typically an obol (worth one-sixth of a drachma), although other small coins were also used.
- Placement: It was commonly placed in or on the mouth of the deceased at the time of burial.
- Literary vs. Archaeological Evidence: While literary sources consistently portray the single coin in the mouth, archaeological findings show a broader range of practices. Coins were sometimes placed in other locations, and in some burials, multiple coins were found.
In essence, Charon’s Obol symbolized the deceased’s readiness for the journey into the afterlife and represented the final transaction in their mortal existence.
What happens if you don’t have a coin for Charon?
Souls that could not pay were forced to roam the River Styx banks for a hundred years, during which time their souls would also haunt the world of the living. The obulus was not a valuable coin; the purpose of Charon’s toll was to ensure that people followed proper customs in caring for the dead.
What is the Greek coin for Ferryman?
A burial practice in Ancient Greece known as Charon’s Obol, the placement of a coin in the mouth or near the body of the dead as payment for Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, was widely present in Greek burials and has persisted into the modern era.
What currency does Charon accept?
Good point! Charon’s Obol is one of several Artifact currencies that can be earned within the underworld. They can then be used in Charon’s shop or at a Well of Charon to purchase various items. Unlike all other currencies, Zagreus will lose all of his Obols when he dies.