Orpheus - Alice Low

Orpheus

Alice Low

The god Zeus and titan Mnemosyne had nine children called the muses. One of the muses Calliope had a mortal son called Orpheus for his father was a mortal. Calliope bestowed upon her son a remarkable talent in music. Every time Orpheus played his lyre, men and beasts alike stop whatever they are doing and just sit and listen to Orpheus. Orpheus then married Eurydice, and not before long their marriage Eurydice stepped on a poisonous snake and died. Orpheus then roamed the earth singing sad melodies hoping to overcome his grief, and when he can’t take it anymore he decided to take Eurydice back from the Underworld. From there on he traveled far and finally reached a dark passage that will lead him to the Underworld. He played his lyre, hoping that the Charon would cross him over, which the Charon did for he was moved by the sadness of Orpheus. Upon reaching the gates he played his lyre again and the ferocious three-headed dog, Cereberus sat and listened to his song. When Orpheus reached the palace he played his lyre with all the grief and sadness he had bottled up. It mad the stern King Hades’ weep, and the ever cold-hearted Queen Persephone’s heart melted. The gods gave Orpheus a condition if he ever want his Eurydice back. That is to never look back at her until they have both reached the surface. But Orpheus was not able to keep the condition, for he looked back to check if Eurydice is still following him when she did not answer to his statement. Orpheus saw Eurydice for the last time before she was swallowed by darkness and was brought back to the Underworld.

-The values in this story is that we should accept the reality even if it’s very painful. Because we can never bring back life from the dead. If ever we promised something we must always keep it because broken promises will haunt you back.