Glyki: The village next to the gates of Hades

Epirus is a breathtaking region of Greece that is rich in contrasts and natural beauty. Every corner of this picturesque area is steeped in history and mythology. One such place is the village near the so-called gates of Hades, where legend has it that the dead pass into the other world. This village is Glyki ("sweat" in Greek) in Thesprotia, a lush green destination that is perfect for nature lovers. Its stunning beauty is no accident, as the crystal clear waters of the Acheron River flow through it.

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Glyki: The village next to the gates of Hades

Glyki is a small and picturesque village in Thesprotia that is relatively popular among those who have explored the area. The village of Souli in Epirus is located in a flat area right next to the banks of the river Acheron. The river completes the scenery and makes it even more impressive to visitors. The natural environment and running waters that surround it are logical reasons for this. Springs, perennial plane trees, and small wooded areas compose the scenery that one will see there all year round. The river Acheron is believed to be one of the rivers that lead to the underworld in Greek mythology. An oracle of the dead was located on its bank.

The river Acheron is named after the Greek word “ἄhos” which describes deep sorrow and mourning. Since ancient times, Acheron referred to something terrifying that resembles Hades and at some point, they associated it with him saying that it is the way to the underworld. Greek mythology says that Hermes essentially handed over the souls of the dead to Charon to carry them to the kingdom of Hades. The process required each soul to pass from Charon’s ferry to Acheron and have to give an obolus for transportation.

In the area, there is a site of great historical significance - the ancient Necromancy of Acheron. According to the famous poet Homer, this was the location where the river Acheron merged with two other rivers - Cocytus and Pyriphlegethon. This convergence occurred on the northwestern shores of Lake Acherousia, which was believed to be the entrance to the world of souls.

Today, however, the area has shed its dark and foreboding past. Thousands of people visit every year to take in the natural beauty of the place. They stroll along the riverbanks or take boat rides on the turquoise-clear waters of Acheron. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike!

The unknown story of the dragon

Beyond the well-known mythology of the gates of Hades, there is another lesser-known tale that has been passed down through generations. This story explains the origin of the village’s name - Glyki. According to legend, Saint Donatus once vanquished a dragon that had made its home in the springs of Acheron. The dragon had poisoned the water, making it deadly to both animals and humans. After defeating the dragon, Saint Donatus blessed the water, purifying it and making it sweet to drink. It is believed that this miracle is what gave the village its name - Glyki.

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