Pyriphlegethon
River flowing into Acheron and marking the ritual route together with Cocytus.
Overview
Pyriphlegethon appears in Circe’s directions in Odyssey 10. She names it beside Cocytus and says that the rivers flow into Acheron near the rock where Odysseus must dig, sacrifice and await Tiresias. Here, the river primarily acts as a route marker; the poem does not develop the complete fiery-river image familiar from later retellings.
Key facts
Flowing into Acheron
Odyssey Book 10Circe says Pyriphlegethon flows into Acheron at the appointed place.
A marker for the rite
Together with Cocytus and the rock, it marks where Odysseus is to perform the rite.
Relationships
- Acheronrivers meet
Circe says Pyriphlegethon flows into Acheron at the appointed place.
Story appearances
- Gates of the UnderworldRiver flowing into Acheron in Circe’s directions
River flowing into Acheron in Circe’s directions, part of the Underworld story's crossings, losses, judgments or guarded spaces.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.