Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 2. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1915.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This satirical dialogue depicts the journey of Charon, the ferryman of the Underworld, who ascends to the upper world to observe the lives of mortal men. Guided by the messenger god Hermes, Charon climbs a towering vantage point made of stacked mountains to look down upon human society. Together, they watch powerful figures like King Croesus and various tyrants who cling to wealth and power, oblivious to the tragic fates awaiting them. Hermes points out the transience of human existence, showing how mortals are caught in endless struggles while being bound by the threads of the Fates. Charon compares human life to fleeting water bubbles and wishes to warn humanity of their folly, but Hermes restrains him, explaining that the masses are deafened by ignorance. After viewing decaying ruins of great cities and the futility of human wars, the two observers conclude their journey and return to their respective realms.