The Conjuring: The History of the Ferryman | Horror History

MISS ME? The Ferryman, also known as Charon or Kharon, had a long history of terror before encountering the Warrens in the 20th century. Although The Ferryman is one of the three new antagonists introduced in the 2019 film Annabelle Comes Home, many fans know very little about his history which dates back to 500 BCE in Ancient Greece. His actual name, Charon, only appears once in the movie, on a case file in Ed and Lorraine's office, which also contains rare details about the deity's complex history.

In this video I'll be analyzing everything we know about Charon, from his ancient depictions in Greek tragedies, to his transition to a more Grim Reaper like appearance, his encounter with the Warrens, his face off with Judy babysitter in 1972 and the possible future of this character.

I'll be sourcing mythology from the likes of Greek and Roman playwrights such as Euripides, Aeschylus and Seneca, as well as his history in The Conjuring franchise. I'll also discuss other appearances, like his moments in God of War, Disney's Hercules, and his own film, but for the purposes of this Horror History episode, The Conjurverse is canon.

Chapters
0:00 The Mythology of Charon
2:11 Intro
3:00 Ferrying on the River Styx
3:25 Charon's Obol
4:04 Various Depictions Across Time
5:35 Audible
6:42 The Warren's File on The Ferryman
7:29 The Catacombs
8:01 Ed and Lorraine Investigate
9:28 Don't Interfere with The Ferryman...
10:48 Malthus Helps The Ferryman Escape
12:23 Unique Powers
14:06 Trapping Mary-Ellen
15:10 The Evil Is Containted

About Horror History
Horror History is a series that analyses specific characters, monsters, places or events in the fictional worlds of your favorite horror franchises.

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This video is sponsored by Audible.

[ScarredPhoenix]

Charon isn't supposed to be a bad guy, he's your Uber to the afterlife. He's just trying to do his job

[klissattack]

I just imagine this poor ferryman getting older and older and the centuries go on and people are paying him minimum wage for his work.
Fair Wage for Charon!!

[Red-in-Green]

I feel like Charon is one of the half dozen mythological figures of the Greek afterlife who have gotten recast as villains, despite genuinely just trying to do their jobs. He’s not evil. He’s a grouchy taxi driver.

[mrziiz]

Kinda feel bad for Charon, he is just doing his job and now he’s trapped in some couples museum. No wonder there’s so many ghosts around, you are trapping the dude that guides the dead to the afterlife!

[ectochick]

The ‘insectile hissing’ heard from the laundry room is much more akin to the sound of someone rolling coins in a closed fist.

[Pippa]

You, Dead Meat and Foundflix have really made me see horror movies as a craft rather than movie trash. I’ve started to actually seek out and watch these movies because of you guys with a new appreciation.

Except the gore ones because my stomach is weak af

[annasutton]

For some reason, I’ve always thought of entities that guide souls from one place to next like reapers and the ferryman to be kindly or calming, in attitude if not spoken word. Well, to the extent that I ever think about such things, being a staunch atheist and all.

[lucyxuan]

This is becoming an actual history class, wow, nice work CZ.

[lauren]

Fun fact coins were also placed on the eyes to keep them closed before eyelid caps were a thing in mortuary science.
You could think of an undertaker as a ferryman pay him to transport you to what’s next

[marcusreading]

I've never quite understood why characters like Charon and Hades are always depicted as villainous, just because they are associated with the dead. Hades was never, not once, actually seen as a villain by the Greeks. Something to be feared and respected, true, but, well, GOD! Hes not the type to get involved in the affairs of Mortals and just did his job of ruling over the dead. Hell, he even helped a few Heroes when they found themselves in the underworld and he was easily one of the chillest gods in the mythos. Hell, I dont think he even cheated on his wife, unlike most of his siblings, and he called his dog Spot. How can you possibly hate a man like that, just because he has a slightly scary job title?

Likewise with Charon, hes just the ferryman. At worst, hes a minor obstacle, but he makes his fee clear and always ponies up when payed. Sure hes cold, not very talkative and kinda dirty, but thats no reason to treat him like a bad guy!

Its the same with other gods associated of the Underworld and death and it never fails to irritate me. Its like writers see the word 'Death' or 'Underworld' in a deities resume and immediately go EVIL!, despite the fact there is no evidence that they were more than a burocrate for the dead. It gets even worse when they get lumped in with Satan.

[Hulkzilla]

The Ferryman and The Bride are two malevolent entities with so much potential. Chances are they won't get their own spin-off films (at least not any time soon), but if they ever did get them, I hope their potential for lore building is realized.

[kasiafields]

i like the theory that she’s the sister of the Ferryman’s victim, explains his fascination with her specifically and why she looks so much like the victim.

[scroopynoopers.]

needed this upload today, kind of wore your other horror history episodes (especially on the demons and entities in the Conjurverse). you’re the best, thank you for being you.

[liamheneghan]

Definitely one of the most interesting villains of the Conjuring universe. I would love to see a movie spin off in future :)

[drfate]

In Greek mythology, Charon requires two payments. One coin for the fare and another at the end as a courtesy. Failure is damnation.

If you give Charon all of your money before he gets you across the Styx, he’ll throw you into the river or simply refuse to take you across.

If you refuse to pay him until he gets you across, the same end result occurs.

[Nightmerican]

Idk why more people don’t look at Charon as a friend like you should. He’s literally your guide to the other side.

[rosesfaith]

Every since I seen Annabelle comes home, I’ve been like super interested in the ferryman’s story. There’s so many different variations of the story and I wish they could’ve given that character it’s own movie and show like how Ed and Loraine came across it.

[lfgpanthers]

These videos are my lifeblood, The Conjuring franchise is me and my girl's favourite series so when I'm missing her watching these vids bring me so much damn comfort.

[nickybircher]

I know you usually do entities from media but I would watch the hell out of horror histories of dark myths and folklore. This is awesome.

[tonieartemis]

"cHaron" you even did the strong H sound :)
As a student of Ancient Greek, I approve!