Orpheus and Eurydice Flashcards
According to the myth, what made Orpheus’ music so special? What effect did he have on things around him?
What made Orpheus’ music so special was that it was so beautiful and charming, it drew things toward him, like vines, trees, rocks, animals and nymphs.
What happened to Eurydice on her wedding day?
Eurydice went to the riverside to collect flowers for a bridal garland, and was bitten by a snake, and died.
Where does Orpheus go in order to get his wife back? Who and what does he meet once there?
Orpheus travels to the Underworld to get his wife back, and when he arrives he meets Charon, the ferryman of the Underworld.
According to the myth, what were the Fields of Elysium?
The Fields of Elysium was a place where people who lived good lives stayed.
Who were the two kings that were sentenced to eternal punishment?
The two kings who were sentenced to punishment were Sisyphus and Tantalus.
What effect had Orpheus’ music had on Hades? What did the god of the Underworld promise Orpheus?
Orpheus’ music made Hades care about what happened to him, so he sent him back to the Overworld with his wife, but if he looked back, she would return to Elysium.
Describe the ascent back up out of the Underworld (what does it look like, what does he see?)
The ascent from the Underworld was dark and misty, with strange noises and shapes.
What happens when Orpheus turns around as he is almost to the edge of the Underworld?
When Orpheus turns around to look for his wife, he sees her, and she is sent back to the Underworld.
After he disobeys Hades, why does he go back to the Underworld for 7 days?
Orpheus goes back to the Underworld for 7 days to try and enter again.
What happens when he returns to the land of the living? How are he and his wife finally reunited?
When he goes back to the overworld, he starts singing of Eurydice, and was killed by the women of Thrace because they were annoyed by him. When he dies, he is reunited with Eurydice in Elysium.
