In Greek mythology, Charon was the ferryman who carried souls across the Underworld river.
Charon transported the dead across the rivers of the Underworld, most commonly the Styx or the Acheron, depending on the ancient source. The deceased were traditionally expected to receive burial rites and a coin, usually an obol, which was placed with the body as payment for the journey.
Charon is usually portrayed as an aged, grim boatman rather than as a god who judges the dead. His role is therefore different from that of Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, and from Hermes, who could guide souls to the realm of the dead.
Ancient Greek traditions varied about the geography of the Underworld and which river Charon crossed. This is why both Styx and Acheron appear in descriptions, while the ferryman’s name remains consistently Charon.