So...

[rolanni]

If a character knows without a doubt that the gods exist (being related to some of them, let's say), is placing the ferryman's coin in a dead friend's mouth an act of piety or pragmatism?

Comments

[queenmaggie.livejournal.com]

both?

[ailsaek.livejournal.com]

Seconded.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

I would vote for pragmatism.

[gingerwood.livejournal.com]

Depends on whether the coins are a fee or a tip.

[kimuro.livejournal.com]

When such an act was common, it was an act of pragmatism, not piety. It was a bribe to allow the dead to pass into the Blessed lands, seed money that they would need to survive in the land of the dead, proof that they were someone of importance ...

I don't think it was ever an act of piety, it wasn't for the gods, but for the soul of the dead.

Well, that's my take on the practice.

[keristor.livejournal.com]

That's how I understand the practice as well.

[mardott.livejournal.com]

I'll go for pragmatism, unless said character has already demonstrated an attitude of awe and piety to the relative in question.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

Friendship.

[sraun]

I like and agree with this answer!

Unless it's for someone the character doesn't like - then it could be either. What are the possible consequences for the character if their relatives find out they haven't been doing so? If the consequences are bad, definitely pragmatism.

[(Anonymous)]

Piety is a personal choice. Putting the coin in the friend's mouth is just good sense, not only for your friend's sake, but for you. Being disrespectful to gods generally has unpleasant consequences.

[klingonguy.livejournal.com]

I choose option D: Respect.

[dina-james.livejournal.com]

Pragmatism, I would think.

It depends....

[tardis1963.livejournal.com]

What is the value of the coin being used? If it is just a symbolic copper foil coin then it is pragmatism. If it is a very large gold coin it is an act of piety.

[angela-n-hunt.livejournal.com]

Both.

In that case, it's best to cover your bets. :)

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

Pragamatism. And reminiscent of Mark Twain's mother's explanation of why she went to every funeral around which went something like "If I don't go to theirs, they won't come to mine!"

[manywaters.livejournal.com]

Pragmatism, with additional piety or sarcasm depending on the personality.

[sbuchler.livejournal.com]

an act of friendship, I'd say.

[victorthecook.livejournal.com]

Reframing slightly: Is being nice to your politically powerful, annoying great-uncle pragmatism or just good manners? Or: if your cousin owns a club, should your friends pay the cover charge?

Does the character believe that the coin will serve a practical purpose for the friend (or the ferryman)? If not, piety or observance of local custom. If so, pragmatism or good manners.

Also -- what do gods need with cash? Is Charon saving up for water-skiing lessons?

[baggette.livejournal.com]

all of the above and then some

dead man's coin

[apolias.livejournal.com]

Simply using a handy delivery system? Which I guess is pragmatic enough.

[mswicked2u.livejournal.com]

Personally I always wondered... Is there more than one ferry man? If there is only one, is it a reward or punishment? Is he immortal, does he get replaced on occasion and do they have a union? What does he do with all the money? Is he a hoarder, or does he stop by the pub and raise a pint in honor of the dead man's mouth he had to stick his finger in? Am I over thinking this?

[hamsterbook.livejournal.com]

Do gods die?
Is he in the line of inheritance?
Then maybe greed.
Placing the coin noticeably, in the hopes of keeping
the franchise alive.
Besides what do gods do with the money anyway?

[katmoonshaker.livejournal.com]

pragmatism

[brownkitty.livejournal.com]

Where does "because it's expected" fall under the piety/pragmatism spectrum?

Part of my peanut gallery is insisting on saying "Hey, Uncle Charon? Remember that $25 I borrowed? Here's a little of it, I'll send the rest when I can." Though using a dead friend as an envelope is rather macabre.