Cocytus

/koʊˈsaɪtəs/ noun

Definition

In Greek mythology, one of the rivers of the underworld, also known as the River of Wailing, where souls of the damned experience eternal torment.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek Kokytos (Κωκυτός), derived from kokyein meaning 'to wail' or 'lament.' The name directly reflects the river's purpose as a place of suffering and despair in Hades.

Kelly Says

Dante placed this river in his Inferno as the deepest, coldest circle of Hell—even colder than Cocytus's mythological description—showing how medieval writers reimagined classical underworld geography to fit their own moral systems.

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