Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived a gifted musician. Orpheus was the son of Apollo and Calliope (one of the muses). It was no wonder that Orpheus was a gifted musician, with such talented musical parents. The truth is, Orpheus was more than gifted. His music was magical. When he played the lyre, as his father had taught him, his songs could cast spells and soothe savage beasts.
Orpheus fell in love with a nymph called Eurydice. They married and were very happy. Eurydice spent hours wandering and playing in the fields and woodlands. One day she trod on a deadly snake and died.Orpheus was so unhappy, he would not eat or drink and his friends thought that he must die. He took his lyre and went to the Underworld. He played his lyre and charmed Charon the ferry man into crossing the river Styx.
Orpheus fell in love with a nymph called Eurydice. They married and were very happy. Eurydice spent hours wandering and playing in the fields and woodlands. One day she trod on a deadly snake and died.Orpheus was so unhappy, he would not eat or drink and his friends thought that he must die. He took his lyre and went to the Underworld. He played his lyre and charmed Charon the ferry man into crossing the river Styx.
Orpheus begged his great uncle Hades to allow his wife to come back to earth as herself, not reborn as someone else. Ever a soft touch, Hades agreed. He had one condition. Hades agreed to let Eurydice follow her husband back to earth and life. But, during the trip, Orpheus had to promise not to look back until both he and his wife were safely back on earth.
Orpheus was worried. He was afraid that perhaps his wife might need his help - it was a very scary trip back to the surface. He worried that perhaps Hades would not send her after all. To reassure himself that all was fine, he risked a quick look behind him, and lost his wife forever.
Orpheus was worried. He was afraid that perhaps his wife might need his help - it was a very scary trip back to the surface. He worried that perhaps Hades would not send her after all. To reassure himself that all was fine, he risked a quick look behind him, and lost his wife forever.
