Where did the idea of the "grim reaper" start?

Question

where did the idea of the "grim reaper" start, and also the image of what it looks like being a black hooded cloak and scythe?

Answer 1

The scythe originates with Kronos, one of the Greek Titans, who was given a scythe by his mother Ge (Gaia).  

Kronos (Saturn in Roman mythology) was the God of Time in the Roman version. So the imagery of 'Father Time' carrying a scythe originated with Kronos/Saturn (as do time-related words like 'chronology', or synchronous').

However, at some point, the popular image of 'Father Time' merged with the image of 'Death' so that the image of the old man carrying a scythe eventually became a dark hooded figure, and then a skeleton.

The progression is pretty understandable, given the fact that everything decays or dies with time. That why Death also sometimes holds an hour-glass - same source.

Answer 2

Hm... Here's some information. Hope this helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grim_Reaper

Answer 3

The Medieval idea of the Grim Reaper probably stems from the image of Thanatos or Death of Greek Mythology. He was a son of Zeus who aided his Uncle Hades. He shepherded the souls of the recent dead and lost souls to the Underworld.

Thanatos, being immortal, had no physical form. When traveling through he world of humans he wore a hooded cloak and carried a blade to normalise his presence.

Answer 4

Here is another page of info, symbols found in medieval engravings.

http://www.lyberty.com/encyc/articles/ne...