Ferryman

The Ferryman is a character (or multiple characters) from the Castlevania series. His role in the games is simple: he waits to transport the hero across a river (seeing as swimming isn't an option). Sometimes it requires specific items, but nevertheless, he'll take the hero where the hero needs to go.

Called into action
This section was partially taken from The Castlevania Dungeon.
 * 1698 - Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
 * 1792 - Demon Castle Dracula X: Rondo of Blood
 * 1797 - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
 * 1844-1852 - Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness

Mythology connections
It is somewhat obvious that The Ferryman was based about the Greek Mythology character, Charon. Charon was the ferryman of Hades, transporting people across the river Styx. He required a price, a greek coin called obolus. The price is very similar to the item requirement in the Castlevania games as well.