The Story Of Orpheus Eurydice

Once upon a time, in ancient Greece, there lived a Greek musician called Orpheus. When he played his lyre, it was the most beautiful sound ever heard. Even the birds would come by his window to listen to him play. Orpheus lived with his wife, Eurydice, who loved him deeply. Orpheus, too deeply loved his wife. They were truly made for each other. One day when Eurydice was picking flowers in the woods, a snake bit her. She was instantly killed. Orpheus’ life changed completely. He missed Eurydice so much and was so sad that he could no longer play the lyre. Finally, Orpheus decided to take action. “I shall go to the God of the Underworld, Hade, and get Eurydice back.” However, the Underworld had many dangers, and no one ever returned from there. But Orpheus had his mind set, and he went to Hades with his lyre. Upon reaching the River of Death, he asked the boatman to carry him to the other side of the River. The boatman refused. “Only the dead can pass,” he said. But Orpheus wasn’t ready to take no for an answer and started playing his lyre. The boatman was so overwhelmed that he agreed to take Orpheus to the other side of the River of Death. When he reached the gate of Hades, Orpheus told Hades how much he loved Eurydice. “You, too, once fell in love with your wife,” Orpheus pointed out. “Since everybody does, you’ll get your soul back anyway,” he continued. “Please let Eurydice live for a few more years?” Both Hades and Persephone were touched deeply by Orpheus’ words and agreed to free Eurydice. However, Hades put one condition, “As a token of your trust in me, Eurydice must walk behind you when you travel back to the upper world. You must not look back at her until you have exited the Underworld,” Orpheus agreed. The couple began their ascent. Orpheus felt uneasy as he didn’t know whether he could trust Hades or not. Soon, he could see the exit. Orpheus stepped out of the cave and into the light, but just as he was out, he turned back to confirm if Eurydice was actually behind him. Orpheus had disobeyed Hades, and the only thing Orpheus heard was a fading “I love you!” as Eurydice was pulled back to the Underworld. Orpheus spent his remaining days among birds and trees, playing the most beautiful music ever heard. Some say that the spirits of Orpheus and Eurydice ended up finding each other after many years and are still together. .