In Greek mythology, newly departed souls had to pay the ferryman Charon in order to cross the river Acheron and gain passage to the Underworld. Paupers who had not been buried with an obolus under their tongue could not afford his services and were doomed to wander the near shore for one hundred years. In those days, the souls of the deceased had to be led to Charon by Hermes; however, modern shades can simply follow this sign.