perkamentus:mythology meme - one of three locations: the river styxThe River Styx (Greek: Στύξ, Stux
perkamentus:mythology meme - one of three locations: the river styxThe River Styx (Greek: Στύξ, Stux, also meaning “hate” and “detestation”) is a river in Greek mythology which forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld. It circles the Underworld nine times. The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh. The other important rivers of the underworld are Lethe and Eridanos, and Alpheus. The gods respected the Styx and swore binding oaths on it. Zeus swore to give Semele whatever she wanted and was then obliged to follow through, resulting in her death. Helios similarly promised Phaëton whatever he desired, also resulting in his death. Gods that did not follow through on such an oath had to drink from the river, causing them to lose their voices for nine years, then being exiled from the council of gods for nine years after that. According to some versions, Styx had miraculous powers and could make someone invulnerable. According to one tradition, Achilles was dipped in it in his childhood, acquiring invulnerability, with exception of his heel, by which his mother held him. This is the source of the expression Achilles’ heel, a metaphor for a vulnerable spot. -- source link