Cocytus is one of the rivers in Greek mythology, often associated with the underworld. Its name translates to "river of wailing," reflecting its connection to sorrow and lamentation. In ancient texts, Cocytus is depicted as a place where the souls of the damned are tormented, emphasizing its role in the afterlife. In Dante Alighieri's "Inferno," Cocytus is portrayed as the frozen lake at the center of Hell, where the worst sinners are trapped in ice. This imagery symbolizes their complete isolation and suffering, reinforcing the river's association with despair and punishment in the afterlife.