Note 225 — THE THEOGONY.
George Chapman translation
The sacred river-head.] That is, the ocean; which probably received this title from the Nile, a river highly venerated, being of old called the Oceanus. Styx is said to be a horn, or branch of the ocean, from the ancient idea that all rivers sprang from it: Homer Il. 21:
Therefore not kingly Acheloius, Nor yet the strength of ocean’s vast profound: Although from him all rivers and all seas, All fountains and all wells proceed, can boast Comparison with Jove. Cowper.
The rivers of Earth and Orcus were believed to communicate; thus Virgil, Æn. vi. 658, of the Elysian fields:
In fragrant laurel groves, where Po’s vast flood From upper earth rolls copious through the wood.