The Story of Orpheus
Orpheus was the greatest musician of Greek mythology. He was the son of the Muse Calliope, and his father is usually named as the Thracian king Oeagrus, though some tellings name Apollo. Apollo gave him a lyre, and Orpheus played and sang so beautifully that wild animals followed him, trees bent toward him and even rocks moved to listen.
Orpheus sailed with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece. His music calmed the waves and kept the crew rowing in time. When the Argo passed the island of the Sirens, he played so loudly and sweetly that he drowned out their deadly song, and only one sailor leapt overboard.
Orpheus married the nymph Eurydice, but their happiness did not last. Shortly after the wedding, Eurydice stepped on a snake and died from its bite. In Virgil's telling, she was fleeing from Aristaeus at the time.
Overcome with grief, Orpheus went down into the underworld to bring her back. His music charmed Charon, the ferryman, and Cerberus, the three headed watchdog. As he sang before the throne of Hades and Persephone, the punished souls paused in their torment, and Persephone was moved to tears.
The rulers of the dead agreed to let Eurydice go on one condition. She would follow him out, but he must not look back at her until they had both reached the world of the living. Just as he reached the light, Orpheus could not bear the doubt any longer, turned to look, and saw Eurydice fade away into the darkness forever.
Heartbroken, Orpheus wandered the wilds of Thrace, singing of his loss and turning away from all other love. In the most famous telling, a band of Thracian women, the frenzied followers of Dionysus, tore him apart. His head floated down the river Hebrus to the island of Lesbos, still singing, and his lyre was placed in the sky as the constellation Lyra.
The Greeks believed Orpheus had founded secret religious rites, known as the Orphic mysteries, and many poems were said to be his. His descent into the underworld became one of the most retold stories of love and loss. It has inspired countless poems, paintings and operas, including some of the first operas ever written.
Famous Myths About Orpheus
Outsinging the Sirens
Orpheus sailed with Jason on the Argo. When the ship passed the island of the Sirens, he played his lyre so loudly and beautifully that it drowned out their deadly song, and the crew rowed safely past.
Orpheus and Eurydice
When his bride Eurydice died from a snakebite, Orpheus went down to the Underworld and sang so movingly that Hades and Persephone agreed to let her go. Their one condition was that he must not look back until they reached the light, but just before the exit he turned around, and she vanished forever.
The Death of Orpheus
Grieving for Eurydice, Orpheus wandered alone and shunned all company. A band of frenzied Maenads tore him apart, and his head floated down the river still singing, until it washed up on the island of Lesbos.
Orpheus's Family Tree
Parents of Orpheus
Partners of Orpheus
Children of Orpheus
Frequently Asked Questions About Orpheus
Who was Orpheus in Greek mythology?
Orpheus was a legendary musician and poet from Thrace whose music on the lyre could charm animals, trees and even stones.
Who were Orpheus's parents?
Orpheus was the son of Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry, and either the Thracian king Oeagrus or the god Apollo.
What happened to Orpheus and Eurydice?
When his wife Eurydice died from a snakebite, Orpheus went down to the underworld and charmed Hades and Persephone into letting her go. They agreed on one condition, that he not look back until they reached the upper world, but he turned too soon and lost her forever.
Was Orpheus one of the Argonauts?
Yes. Orpheus sailed with Jason on the Argo, and when the ship passed the Sirens, he played so beautifully that he drowned out their deadly song.
How did Orpheus die?
Orpheus was torn apart by the Maenads, the frenzied female followers of Dionysus. His head floated down the river Hebrus to the island of Lesbos, still singing.
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