Evolution of the type of "Ferryman Charon" existing in Greek Mythology with the influences of Egypt and Near East Cultures

Authors : Işık Şahin

Pages : 127-153

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Publication Date : 2004-11-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :There is a view that the ferryman Charon existing in Greek mythology, who transports the souls into Hades is not a real Greek belief because Homer and Hesiod never mentioned Charon. As the myths and beliefs of Egypt and Near East cultures are investigated, it is seen that it is appropriate to seek the roots of Charon in Near East. The ferryman conveying the bodies through Nile River and Acheron Lake in the traditions practiced in Egypt and the ferryman rowing in "death water” in order to reach underworld in Gilgamifl Epic of Babil, also another ferryman in the river swallowing the human being in Sumer mythology are all evidences of this view. When the pantheons of Canaan-Ugarit, Phoenicia, and Egypt are also examined; it is determined that there is also an effect of Haurôn who was the God related to underworld and had close names with Charon of Greeks in various period. Charon is encountered as Charun but with a different character as a death-demon in Etruscan. It is known that Charon still exists with the names of Charos or Charontas as the character of Death’s Angel rather than being as a ferryman according to the belief in Modern Greece. Morever, the thought that Charos was "death-god” before Homeros, supports the relationship established between Haurôn "the underworld-god” and "ferryman Charon”.
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