charons

Updated: May 19, 2025

Some families of fishermen, the subjects of the Franks, are excused from tribute, in consideration of the mysterious office which is performed by these Charons of the ocean. Each in his turn is summoned, at the hour of midnight, to hear the voices, and even the names, of the ghosts: he is sensible of their weight, and he feels himself impelled by an unknown, but irresistible power.

Edward Gibbon - History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 3

The gopa, or headman of Sati, a splendid fellow, who accompanied us through Nubra, and eight wild-looking, half-naked satellites, were the Charons of that Styx.

Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy) Bird - Among the Tibetans

“It shall hold a fourth,” cried the young man, springing to her side, with a violence that nearly shook the weak fabric of the vessel asunder. “Pardon me, Miss Temple, that I do not permit these venerable Charons to take you to the shades unattended by your genius.” “Is it a good or evil spirit?” asked Elizabeth. “Good to you.”

James Fenimore Cooper - The Pioneers