Orpheus
Publié le 22/02/2012
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Greek A famous poet and singer; son
of Oeagrus, king of Thrace, and of Calliope, the
Muse; husband of Eurydice.
The god Apollo (some say he was the father of
Orpheus) gave Orpheus a lyre, which he played so
beautifully that even the rocks were moved to tears,
trees bent to listen, flowers bloomed, and rivers
changed their courses.
As an Argonaut, Orpheus distracted the crewmen
from the sweet singing of the Sirens (see Jason
and the Argonauts, under Jason).
When Eurydice died from a serpent bite, Orpheus
charmed his way into the Underworld and persuaded
Hades to release her. Hades did so, on the
condition that Orpheus would not look back until he
had reached Earth. Orpheus failed in his promise and
Eurydice disappeared instantly.
Liens utiles
- Orpheus Greek A famous poet and singer; son of Oeagrus, king of Thrace, and of Calliope, the Muse; husband of Eurydice.
- From Bulfinch's Mythology: Orpheus and Eurydice - anthology.