In ancient Greece, there was a musician named Orpheus, whose music could charm anyone – even the trees and rivers. He fell deeply in love with a beautiful nymph named Eurydice. They were very happy together, but their happiness was short-lived.
One day, while wandering in a meadow, Eurydice was bitten by a snake and sadly, she passed away. Orpheus was heartbroken. His music, once filled with joy, now echoed his sorrow.
Determined to get Eurydice back, Orpheus traveled to the Underworld. The journey was dangerous, but Orpheus’s love gave him strength. He played his lyre, and his mournful melodies touched even the hearts of Hades and Persephone, the rulers of the Underworld.
“Your music has moved us,” said Hades. “You may take Eurydice back to the world of the living. But there is one condition – you must not look back at her until you both have reached the surface.”
Orpheus agreed and began the journey back, Eurydice following him. It was a long and silent walk. Orpheus longed to look at his beloved, to make sure she was truly there.
As they neared the exit, Orpheus, overcome with emotion and uncertainty, turned back to see if Eurydice was still there. The moment he saw her, she began to fade away.
“Eurydice!” Orpheus cried.
“Goodbye, my love,” whispered Eurydice, disappearing back into the shadows of the Underworld.
Orpheus tried to follow her, but the passage to the Underworld was closed. He returned to the world alone, his heart heavy with grief. He sang songs of Eurydice and their love, touching the hearts of all who heard him.
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice teaches us about the power of love and music, and the importance of trust. Orpheus’s journey reminds us that true love never dies, even if it can’t always be with us the way we hope.
Also Read: Pygmalion and Galatea or Andromeda: The Chained Princess
Follow Up Questions
- How do you think Orpheus felt when he was trying to bring Eurydice back, and why?
- If you were Orpheus, would you have looked back at Eurydice? Why or why not?
- What does the story of Orpheus and Eurydice teach us about trust and love?