Styx (disambiguation) facts for kids

Styx is a name with a few different meanings. Most famously, it refers to a mysterious river in ancient Greek mythology. It also refers to a well-known music band.

The River Styx in Greek Mythology

In ancient Greek myths, the River Styx was one of the most important rivers in the Underworld. The Underworld was believed to be the place where the souls of the dead went after life. The Styx was not just any river; it was thought to be a boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

What is the River Styx?

The Styx was often described as a dark, gloomy, and dangerous river. It was one of five rivers in the Underworld. The other rivers included Acheron (the river of woe), Cocytus (the river of lamentation), Phlegethon (the river of fire), and Lethe (the river of forgetfulness). The Styx was special because it was said to circle the Underworld seven times.

Who Crosses the Styx?

To cross the River Styx, the souls of the dead needed help from a ferryman named Charon. Charon was an old, grumpy figure who would row the souls across the river in his boat. However, he would only take souls who had a coin placed under their tongue when they were buried. This coin was called an obol, and it was his payment. If a soul did not have a coin, they were left to wander the banks of the Styx forever.

Important Stories About the Styx

The River Styx played a big role in many Greek myths.

• Achilles's Weakness: One famous story involves the hero Achilles. When he was a baby, his mother, Thetis, dipped him into the River Styx. This made his body invulnerable, meaning he could not be harmed by weapons. However, she held him by his heel, which did not touch the water. This spot became his only weak point, known as his "Achilles' heel."
• Gods' Oaths: The gods of Olympus, like Zeus and Hera, considered the River Styx to be very sacred. They would often swear their most serious oaths by the Styx. If a god broke an oath sworn on the Styx, they would face terrible punishment. They might be forced to drink from the river, which would make them lose their voice and breath for a long time.

Styx: The Music Band

Beyond mythology, Styx is also the name of a very popular American rock band. They formed in Chicago in 1972. The band became famous in the 1970s and 1980s for their unique sound. This sound blended hard rock music with progressive rock elements.

Who are Styx?

Styx is known for their powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and complex musical arrangements. Some of their most famous songs include "Come Sail Away," "Babe," "Mr. Roboto," and "Renegade." They have sold millions of albums worldwide and continue to tour and perform for fans of all ages. Their music often tells stories and has themes of adventure and self-discovery.