Deriving the Name: Styx and Its Mythological Significance

The rock group Styx, one of the most enduring acts in the history of 70s and 80s rock, took inspiration for its name from Greek mythology. The band's adoption of the name 'Styx' in 1972 was a nod to the river in Greek mythology that separates the world of the living from the underworld. According to legend, when a soul died, it was ferried across the river Styx by Charon, the boatman of the underworld, to reach the afterlife.

A Burning Desire for a Name

When the band members signed with Wooden Nickel Records and saw a potential for widespread success, they decided it was time to come up with a new name. It's said that DeYoung and his bandmates were inspired by the mystical and mysterious quality of the river Styx. The band liked how it sounded and the cultural significance behind it. The name perfectly captured the ethereal and otherworldly themes that they often explored in their music.

The Evolution of the Band Name

Before settling on Styx, the band, led by Tommy Shaw, had gone by the moniker 'The Tradewinds.' In the late 1960s, the band was known as 'Tradewinds' and before that, included 12-string guitarist John Curulewski. However, by 1970, they had signed with Wooden Nickel Records and it was at this point that they decided to become 'Styx.'

DeYoung recalled, 'It was one of the hundred names we tried, and it turned out to be the only one that none of us hated.' The story reveals a sense of camaraderie among the band members and the importance they placed on the name they chose. Choosing the name 'Styx' was not a coincidence but a deliberate decision to capture the essence of their musical philosophy.

Styx in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, the river Styx was significant for more than just its role in the afterlife. It was said that Charon, the ferryman, would charge a fee for his services, often in the form of two coins placed on the eyes of the dead. This tradition is thought to have been incorporated as part of the Greek funeral rites, ensuring safe passage to the underworld.

The river Styx was also invoked by gods to take an oath. Its reference in mythology and its associated traditions provided a rich source of inspiration for the rock group Styx. From their earliest days, the band's music often explored mythical and fantasy themes, and the name 'Styx' encapsulated this broader theme of the unknown and the mystical.

An Enduring Legacy

By adopting the name Styx, the band not only paid homage to Greek mythology but also created a sense of cultural depth and complexity. The name, in its simplicity and strength, has become iconic, much like the songs and albums that the band produced. It was a name that resonated with both the band members and their fans, adding an element of intrigue to their identity.

When Styx won an award for their hit single 'Babe' at a music awards show in 1980, the presenter's confusion over the pronunciation 'Stigh-ks' speaks to the band's choice of a name that was both catchy and evocative. The band's name has become synonymous with the era of 70s and 80s rock, and its origins in Greek mythology have added an extra layer of depth to their storytelling and music.

Other Bands of Mythological Names

Styx is not the only band to take inspiration from Greek mythology for their name. Bands like 'Ambrosia,' named after the food of the gods on Mount Olympus, and 'Elysian Fields,' a mythical place of happiness and pleasure in Greek mythology, have also drawn from these sources. These names not only add a sense of timelessness and grandeur to the band but also serve as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting the listener to a rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The name 'Styx' for the rock group Styx was not a mere choice but a linguistic exploration of Greek mythology that encapsulated the mystical and otherworldly themes of the band's music. It is a name that has stood the test of time, reflecting the band's enduring legacy in the world of rock music.