Greece (Reuters) – The Underworld braces for the probable retirement of Charon, the Ferryman of the Underworld, after his boss Hades called a news conference with the famous ferryman for Wednesday. Representatives of the Underworld and Mount Olympus, both which were enriched by Charon's 120-plus stellar seasons in the ferry service, will join him at the scheduled 12 noon EST news conference held at the River Styx.
Charon, widely hailed as the Underworld's best ferryman ever, will hold court at the banks of the river Styx, where he used to ship people from the mortal world to the Other Side and where he is immortalized by a bronze statue. His retirement would be mourned throughout the Underworld community, thanks to his reputation as one of the finest boatsmen in any field and his status as one of the world's most easily recognized celebrities.
The whole world will be lost without him,'' said Iolaus, a frequent traveller to the Underworld. I was shocked when I heard the rumours this morning. I am at a loss for words. I can't imagine the Underworld without him!''
When I saw the headline, I thought, 'It's terrible,''' said Simon of Carentia, waiting for the ferry to bring him to the Other Side after a horrific fall from a cliff. ''He's given Death everything you could ask for. I don't know how Hades is going to cope without him.''
Economists joined ordinary fans in fretting at the potential loss to the Underworld. Clearly, there has to be some economic effect,'' said Diana Marcus at Greecian Morgan Stanley, saying Charon had boosted the Underworld's international appeal.
Fiercely competitive in his job, Charon's apparent gentility off it played right into the hands and pocketbooks of advertisers, who may now also feel the pinch from his retirement.
Stocks in SeaHorse Inc. lost more than 4 in Tuesday trading, as industry analysts voiced concern, that Charon's retirement would hurt sales of the company's yachting equipment.
He's certainly their single most important celebrity in selling their products,'' said analyst Brenda Smith of International Bank of Thebes. ''They're a very big marine company, but yachting is their biggest category, and he's their biggest star.''
SeaHorse declined to comment ahead of Charon's planned announcement but has said previously that Charon - endorsed products account for more than DN250 million in annual revenue. Charon gets more than DN20 million annually from the company in fees based in part on a percentage of sales, analysts said. Besides his DN33 million salary last season from Hades, Charon earns even more endorsing a fitness drink, underwear, cologne, batteries and other products, and receives additional income from books and movies that feature him.
Charon will retire with the highest number of ferry hour - average in Greek history and an unprecedented array of individual honours. Polls showed he was the celebrity, Greek children most wanted to talk to, and he has ranked among the most respected and admired people in the eyes of the public.
Greek adults once placed him fifth on a list of ''most - respected newsmakers'' behind Zeus, Hercules, Caesar, Bart Simpson and Jesus of Nazereth.
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