psychopomp Definition
- 1a guide of souls to the place of the dead
- 2a person or thing that guides or conducts souls to the afterlife
Using psychopomp: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "psychopomp" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In Greek mythology, Hermes was a psychopomp who guided the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Example
The shaman acted as a psychopomp, leading the soul of the deceased to the afterlife.
Example
The black dog is often seen as a psychopomp in folklore, guiding the souls of the dead to the other side.
psychopomp Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with psychopomp
a psychopomp in various religions and mythologies, who is responsible for transporting the souls of the deceased to the afterlife
Example
In Jewish tradition, Azrael is the angel of death and serves as a psychopomp.
a psychopomp in Greek mythology who ferries the souls of the dead across the river Styx to the underworld
Example
Charon is the ferryman who carries the souls of the dead across the river Styx to Hades.
a personification of death as a hooded figure with a scythe, who is often depicted as a psychopomp
Example
The Grim Reaper is a common image in popular culture, often portrayed as a psychopomp who guides souls to the afterlife.
Origins of psychopomp
from Greek 'psychopompos', meaning 'guide of souls'
Summary: psychopomp in Brief
'Psychopomp' [sahy-kuh-pomp] refers to a guide or conductor of souls to the afterlife. In Greek mythology, Hermes was a psychopomp who guided the souls of the dead to the underworld. Other examples include the angel of death, ferryman, and grim reaper. The term 'psychopomp' is formal and often used in religious or mythological contexts.