Styx
（
Στύξ). A name connected with the verb
στυγέω, to hate or abhor, and applied to the principal river in the
nether world, around which it flows seven times. (
Il. ii. 755;
Verg. Aen. vi.
439.) Styx is described as a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. As a nymph she dwelt at
the entrance of Hades, in a lofty grotto which was supported by silver columns. As a river,
Styx is described as a branch of Oceanus, flowing from its tenth source; and the river Cocytus
again is a branch of the Styx. By Pallas, Styx became the mother of Zelus, Niké,
Bia, and Cratos. She was the first of all the immortals who took her children to Zeus, to
assist him against the Titans; and, in return for this, her children were allowed forever to
live with Zeus, and Styx herself became the divinity by whom the most solemn oaths were
sworn. When one of the gods had to take an oath by Styx, Iris brought a cup full of water from
the Styx, and the god, while taking the oath, poured out the water.
