Orpheus and Eurydice
Links to all Love MythsOrpheus, son of Apollo, was a master musician. His playing the lyre and singing charmed wild animals and
caused stones and trees to follow him when he wished. He married Eurydice. They were married a year and
a day when she died of a snake bite inflicted on her when she stepped on it in the woods, picking flowers.
Orpheus mourned her death. He determined to bring her back from Hades, the Underword. Using his
musical talents, he charmed his way past Cerberus, the 3-headed watch dog. Charon, the boat-man of the
Styx ferried Orpheus across the river free of charge. Even Hades cried iron tears who granted Orpheus'
plea that he be allowed to take Eurydice back with him, provided that he promise not to look at her until
they reached home. Orpheus played and sang while Eurydice followed but overcome with fear he turned
back to see if she was there. She was. Instantly faded away to become once again only a shade. When
Orpheus tried to reenter Hades, his way was barred.
He returned to Thrace and served in the temple of Apollo. He soon met his death. He was torn to pieces
either by local maidens or raging Maenads following Dionysus. They threw his head in the Hebrus river.
Calliope, a muse and his mother, took the pieces of Orpheus' body and buried them at the foot of Mt.
Olympus where nightengales sing their sweetest songs.
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Love Myths
