Fun Trivia : Orpheus

Structure Sub-topic of: Greek Myth Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries.

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Orpheus

Depending on the legend, it is said that Orpheus's father could either be the Thracian King, Oeagrus, or the God Apollo himself. In either case, who was Orpheus's birth mother?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


Calliope. Calliope is the muse of epic poetry and the eldest of her sisters. In addition to her son Orpheus, Calliope bore another son with Apollo, Linus. With parents such as Calliope and Apollo, it is no wonder that Orpheus was such a talented musician. It was Calliope who gave Orpheus his gift of music. With this gift, Orpheus grew up in the city of Thrace among the most skillful musicians in all of Greece. Of these Thracian musicians, not one was good enough to challenge Orpheus.



Although Orpheus inherited many musical talents, for which instrument is he most well-known?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


The lyre. Hermes is credited with inventing the lyre. It was given as a gift to Apollo, who used it to make breathtaking music.



When Jason and the Argonauts were ready to set sail in search of the Golden Fleece, Orpheus was invited to join the crew on their journey. He accepted the offer and became a very helpful contributer to Jason's quest. Whenever the shipmates became overworked or angry, Orpheus would strike a tune on his prized instrument that would soothe even the most agitated of the Argonauts. As the trip continued, the crew was faced with a dangerous situation which Orpheus resolved. To which situation am I referring?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


The dangers of the Sirens' Isle.. The island of the Sirens is where the magnificent half-bird, half-human creatures called the Sirens reside. Their voices are completely enchanting, and it is known that in the past, sailors have abandoned their ships in search of these lovely maidens. Unfortunately, jagged rocks surround the isle, and all the sailors who attempt to find the Sirens are killed during their quest. To avoid this fate, Orpheus played the most beautiful song on his lyre when Jason and the Argonauts passed the island of the Sirens. The shipmates were so enthralled by Orpheus's exquisite song, they didn't even hear the Sirens sing.



Little more is known about Orpheus's past before he met his beautiful wife. They fell madly in love and were married at once. What was the name of Orpheus's sweet maiden?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


Eurydice. Eurydice was a beautiful nymph who captured the heart of Orpheus.



Unfortunately, the bride and groom's bliss was short-lived. The day of their wedding, after the ceremony, Orpheus's love was frolicking in the meadow with her bridesmaids when she was killed by a poisonous snake. Now, can you tell me what type of snake it was that killed Orpheus' true love?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


A Viper. Orpheus and Eurydice were so inseparable and dependent on one another, that Orpheus found he simply could not live without his beloved Eurydice. He swore he'd never love another.



Orpheus' grief was so overwhelming that he could not endure the pain of his loss. He was determined to somehow get his wife back. He decided the best way to do this was to travel to the Underworld and plead with Hades. Orpheus made the dangerous journey out of love for his wife, and when he entered the fearsome gates of the Underworld, past the river Styx, Orpheus played the most charming song that wooed over Hades himself. Who in the Underworld was not soothed by Orpheus' song?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


Nobody. Orpheus' voice was so captivating that nobody in the Underworld could refuse him anything, and they eagerly called on Eurydice to go back to Earth.



After hearing the enchanting music Orpheus had so desperately played, Hades decided to allow Orpheus to take Eurydice under one condition. What was that one condition?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


That Orpheus could not look at Eurydice until they were both out of the Underworld.. Orpheus readily agreed to this condition and began to head back up to Earth with Eurydice close behind him. Yet for one reason or another, his desire was too great, and as soon as he'd escaped the realm of Hades, he looked back at his beautiful wife, who hadn't quite left the Underworld. He saw her stand there for just a second, in all her beauty, before she began to fade back into the Underworld. Orpheus reached out for Eurydice, but couldn't grab her in time. He could only hear her sweet voice whisper the single word, "Farewell". (In another account of this myth, Orpheus had travelled through the Underworld toward Earth for what felt like ages, and he began to think Hades was playing a trick on him. So just to be sure, Orpheus took a quick peak to make sure Eurydice was really there.)



To Orpheus' great despair, he could not successfully complete Hades' requirement, and lost his love to the Underworld for a second time. He begged Hades for a second chance. Did the Lord of the Underworld allow Orpheus back into the world of the dead?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


No. The gods refused Orpheus his desired entrance into the Underworld. They never allowed a person to enter the realm of the dead twice while he was still alive.



Orpheus was so miserable that he'd lost his wife again, that he refused to associate with any person. He spent his remaining days playing his music among only the trees, rivers, and rocks. Finally, Orpheus was killed by a group of women. Who were these frenzied women?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


A band of maenads. Maenads are devotees of the god Dionysus who wander with him in hysterical ecstacy. During their wanderings they tear apart and eat the flesh of animals, and, as in Orpheus' case, humans.



These women were merciless to poor Orpheus! How was he slain?

The Times and Tales of Orpheus


They tore him apart limb by limb.. The Muses found Orpheus' scattered limbs and put them in a tomb at the bottom of Mount Olympus. People say the birds that inhabit the area sing the sweetest songs in all the world. Now Orpheus can finally be at peace with his love, Eurydice, for eternity. (Sources: "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton, "http://www.hipark.austin.isd.tenet.edu/mythology/orpheus.html", and "http://www.pantheon.org/articles/o/orpheus.html")