The Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice Essay

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The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice

Love is a strong motivator which has the power to make individuals do incredible, illogical things (Shmoop University, 2019). The mythical tale of Eurydice and Orpheus may be counted among the most well –known and –loved of Greek myths. Essentially a story of passion and love, the tale also dwells upon the human spirit’s shortcomings (Greekmyths, 2019). The story is rife with examples of remarkable as well as imprudent things people do for love. Orpheus is utterly devastated by the loss of his wife, Eurydice, and makes the crazy but grand choice to bring her back to life from the Underworld. However, while making his return journey to Earth accompanied by his beloved, he makes the error of turning around and looking at her – an irrational choice, given he was well-aware that it would send Eurydice back to Hades. The latter instance is certainly a lesson to trust those one loves. Though Orpheus hears his wife behind him, he isn’t certain she is actually there; if only he had stood his ground and had faith, they could have had their happy ever after (Shmoop University, 2019).

Orpheus was no mere mortal. A prince of Thrace and son of a Muse, he inherited the gift of music from his mother, which was well fostered in the land where he was raised - Thrace.

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Indeed, the people of Thrace were recognized as Greece’s most musical inhabitants. Orpheus’s skills were unrivaled among mortals. His powers were limitless when he sang and played. Nothing, animate or inanimate, had the power to resist his charm.

In the deep still woods upon the Thracian mountains 

Orpheus with his singing lyre led the trees, 

Led the wild beasts of the wilderness.

A large portion of Orpheus’s early life was devoted to idyllically pursuing poetry and music. As mentioned earlier, his capabilities transcended, to a great degree, the respect and fame his music gained. Animals and human beings alike were captivated by it with the most inert entities longing to be close to him as well. All followed him. Orpheus was capable of altering rivers’ courses and moving rocks on hillsides. In his prime, he had acquired mastery over the lyre; his musical voice drew listeners from far and wide. One such musical congregation was attended by a lovely and bashful sprite, Eurydice, who was enraptured….....

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"The Greek Myth Of Orpheus And Eurydice", 11 January 2019, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/greek-myth-orpheus-eurydice-2173063