Orpheus and Eurydice

Introduction to Orpheus

• Orpheus, a mortal, renowned for his skill with the lyre comparable to that of Apollo, the god of music.
• His music enchanted birds and animals alike.

Orpheus and Eurydice's Love and Tragedy

• Orpheus fell in love with Eurydice; they had a grand wedding.
• During the ceremony, a bad omen was noted as the candles emitted black smoke.
• The day following the wedding, Eurydice was bitten by a snake and died.
• Orpheus was devastated and mourned deeply.

Orpheus's Journey to the Underworld

• After Eurydice's funeral, Orpheus embarked on a journey to the Underworld to retrieve her.
• He traveled through a dark cave and reached the river of forgetfulness.
• Orpheus encountered Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the river.
• Using his lyre, Orpheus played music so beautiful that it pacified Cerberus and enchanted the ferryman, Charon, to take him across the river.

Orpheus Before Hades and Persephone

• Orpheus reached the palace of Hades and Persephone.
• His music enchanted the dead and moved the gods.
• Orpheus pleaded with Hades to return Eurydice to him, highlighting the suffering of mortals.
• Moved by Orpheus’s plea, Persephone persuaded Hades.

The Fates' Intervention

• Hades called upon the three Fates to mend Eurydice's thread of life.

The Condition for Eurydice's Return

• Hades set a condition: Orpheus must not look back at Eurydice until they both reached the sunlight.
• Orpheus agreed and began the journey back to the land of the living.

The Tragic Turn

• As they neared the exit, Eurydice tripped.
• In a moment of panic, Orpheus looked back, causing Eurydice to vanish forever.

Orpheus's Life After the Loss

• Orpheus returned to the living world, dedicating himself to music filled with sorrow.
• He never saw Eurydice again in life.

The Reunion in Death

• Upon Orpheus's death, he crossed the river with Charon again.
• Persephone restored his and Eurydice’s memories.
• Reunited, Orpheus and Eurydice walk together in the underworld.
• They share eternal companionship and are sometimes seen walking arm in arm, or Orpheus following Eurydice, knowing she will always be there.