The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Story

WHEN A SEAMAN DIED ABOARD SHIP AND A BURIAL AT SEA
WAS NECESSARY, A PENNY OR OTHER COIN WAS PLACED IN THE
MOUTH OF THE DEAD MAN BY HIS SHIPMATES BEFORE BEING
SEWN UP IN HIS BURIAL SHROUD. THIS COIN WAS FOR OLD
MAN CHARON, SKIPPER OF THE FERRY THAT WOULD SAFELY
CARRY THE DECEASED ACROSS THE RIVER STYX--IF PAID
IN ADVANCE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated and Motifs added / 02-28-2011 / TRD

Where learned: BOOK

Keyword(s): ; BURIAL ; COIN ; Dead ; DEATH ; Ferry ; Lore ; MONEY ; Ocean ; Payment ; River ; SEA ; Ship ; Shroud ; Story ; Styx ; Tale ; Underworld ; VERSE

Date learned: NOT GIVEN