The Tragic Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice

Video

Kelly Macquire
by
published on 16 October 2022

Orpheus is a famous figure from Greek mythology, well known both for his talents with the lyre and kithara, and the tragic tale of his wife, the wood nymph Eurydice. His musical talents could charm wild animals, it could stop streams and trees would move closer to hear his beautiful singing.

Unlike most figures from myth who are very solidly mythological, the ancient Greeks were quite divided over the figure of Orpheus, whether he existed or not, mainly due to Aristotle’s claim. He is, though, central to the religious movement of Orphism, a mystery cult informed by the god Dionysus and said to be founded by Orpheus.

Ovid begins his tale of the marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice (sometimes referred to as Agriope) - both very much in love - with Orpheus calling for the god of marriage, Hymenaeus, to bless his wedding; this proved of no use, however, for the wedding was ill-omened. After they were married, Eurydice took a stroll with her naiad attendants, and she was bitten on the ankle by a poisonous snake and died. Orpheus was distraught, unable to live without her, and was determined to bring her back from the underworld.

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— CHAPTERS —
0:00​ Introduction
1:01 Who is Orpheus?
2:42 The Religious Mystery Cult Orphism
4:24 The Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice
9:45 Outro

— WANT TO KNOW MORE? —
Orpheus https://www.worldhistory.org/Orpheus/
Apollo https://www.worldhistory.org/apollo/
Muse https://www.worldhistory.org/muse/
Lyre https://www.worldhistory.org/Lyre/
Ancient Greek Music https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Music/
Greek Mythology https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/

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— ATTRIBUTIONS —
You can find all attribution and credits for images, animations, graphics and music here - https://worldhistory.typehut.com/the-tragic-tale-of-orpheus-and-eurydice-images-and-attributions-11298

The music used in this recording is the intellectual copyright of Michael Levy, a prolific composer for the recreated lyres of antiquity, and used with the creator's permission. Michael Levy's music is available to stream at all the major digital music platforms. Find out more on:
https://www.ancientlyre.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dx2vFEg8DmOJ5YCRm4A5v?si=emacIH9CRieFNGXRUyJ9
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1X6F7lGMEadnNETSzTv8A

World History Encyclopedia
www.worldhistory.org

#orpheus #orpheusandeurydice #greekmythology

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About the Author

Kelly Macquire
Kelly is a graduate from Monash University who has completed her BA (Honours) in Ancient History and Archaeology, focussing on iconography and status in Pylos burials. She has a passion for mythology and the Aegean Bronze Age.

The video and its description text are provided by Youtube. This website claims no authorship of this content; we are republishing it for educational purposes.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Macquire, K. (2022, October 16). The Tragic Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2849/the-tragic-tale-of-orpheus-and-eurydice/

Chicago Style

Macquire, Kelly. "The Tragic Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 16, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2849/the-tragic-tale-of-orpheus-and-eurydice/.

MLA Style

Macquire, Kelly. "The Tragic Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Oct 2022. Web. 26 Apr 2024.

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