The Orpheus and Eurydice full story deals with the fateful love of Orpheus of Thrace for the beautiful Eurydice. The story is set in ancient Greece, where there is the concept of an upper world and an underworld. The story has inspired artists and authors all over the world. The earliest account comes from Ibycus (circa 530 BC). Read the Orpheus and Eurydice story in English to your little ones!
Origin And History Of Orpheus And Eurydice
It is difficult to trace the origin of the story as it is a Greek mythological story. The character of Orpheus and the story have been adapted and revamped in literature and culture for centuries. In some versions, Eurydice and Orpheus have been given a happy ending. Scholars believe that by the 5th century BC, there was at least an Orphic movement, with travelling priests who offered teaching and initiation. The story has especially been depicted in music and ballet.
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Story Type Of Orpheus And Eurydice
The Orpheus and Eurydice story is a Greek mythological story which has been passed down and depicted in culture and literature for generations.
Story Characters
- Orpheus
- Eurydice
- Boatman
- Hades
- Persephone
Orpheus And Eurydice Story For Children
Once upon a time, in ancient Greece, there lived a Greek musician called Orpheus. When he played his lyre, it was the most beautiful sound ever heard. Even the birds would come by his window to listen to him play.
Orpheus lived with his wife, Eurydice, who loved him deeply. Orpheus, too deeply loved his wife. They were truly made for each other.
One day when Eurydice was picking flowers in the woods, a snake bit her. She was instantly killed. Orpheus’ life changed completely. He missed Eurydice so much and was so sad that he could no longer play the lyre.
Finally, Orpheus decided to take action. “I shall go to the God of the Underworld, Hade, and get Eurydice back.” However, the Underworld had many dangers, and no one ever returned from there. But Orpheus had his mind set, and he went to Hades with his lyre.
Upon reaching the River of Death, he asked the boatman to carry him to the other side of the River. The boatman refused. “Only the dead can pass,” he said. But Orpheus wasn’t ready to take no for an answer and started playing his lyre. The boatman was so overwhelmed that he agreed to take Orpheus to the other side of the River of Death.
When he reached the gate of Hades, Orpheus told Hades how much he loved Eurydice. “You, too, once fell in love with your wife,” Orpheus pointed out. “Since everybody does, you’ll get your soul back anyway,” he continued. “Please let Eurydice live for a few more years?” Both Hades and Persephone were touched deeply by Orpheus’ words and agreed to free Eurydice.
However, Hades put one condition, “As a token of your trust in me, Eurydice must walk behind you when you travel back to the upper world. You must not look back at her until you have exited the Underworld,” Orpheus agreed.
The couple began their ascent. Orpheus felt uneasy as he didn’t know whether he could trust Hades or not. Soon, he could see the exit. Orpheus stepped out of the cave and into the light, but just as he was out, he turned back to confirm if Eurydice was actually behind him.
Orpheus had disobeyed Hades, and the only thing Orpheus heard was a fading “I love you!” as Eurydice was pulled back to the Underworld. Orpheus spent his remaining days among birds and trees, playing the most beautiful music ever heard.
Some say that the spirits of Orpheus and Eurydice ended up finding each other after many years and are still together.
Story Summary
Here is a short summary of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.
In ancient Greece, there lived a very talented Greek musician named Orpheus. When he played his lyre, everyone and everything would stop and get swayed by the music. Orpheus lived with his wife, Eurydice. They were both madly in love and were made for each other.
One day, Eurydice was picking flowers in the woods when she got bit by a snake. This caused Eurydice’s death. Her death completely crushed Orpheus. He constantly missed her and even stopped playing the lyre.
One fine day, Orpheus decided that he shall go to the God in the Underworld, Hades and get his beloved wife back. When he reached the River of Death, the boatman refused to let Orpheus pass. Orpheus played his lyre for him, which overwhelmed him, and hence the boatman took Orpheus across the River of Death.
When Orpheus met Hades, he expressed his love for Eurydice. Orpheus even brought up Hades and his wife’s relationship to help Hades understand what he was going through. Both Hades and Persephone were touched by Orpheus’ words and decided that they would let Eurydice go.
However, this came with a condition. Hades tells Orpheus that Eurydice must walk behind him when they travel to the upper world and that Orpheus must not look at her until they are in the upper world. Orpheus agreed to this condition.
Alas, Orpheus turned around to look at Eurydice right at the entrance of the upper world. Eurydice was pulled back to the Underworld, and Orpheus was forced to spend the rest of his life playing the lyre for birds and trees.
Some say that the spirits of Orpheus and Eurydice ended up finding each other after many years and are still together.
What Lesson Your Child Learn From This Story?
Greek mythological stories are usually narrated and written to express certain values of society. This particular story depicts the value of love that drove Orpheus to find Eurydice in the Underworld, but love also caused him to lose her. It teaches an important lesson that you should always be ready to face the consequences of your actions and be ready to live up to your promises
How Can Children Apply The Lesson Of the Story In Their Real Life?
Orpheus lost Eurydice because he chose to go against what he was told. He had to face the consequences of his actions, and as a result, he lost Eurydice. Children, too, should be taught that all of their actions have consequences, both negative and positive. They should also be taught to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that arise from them. This encourages them to be responsible and mature about their decisions and actions. This practice raises independent and responsible adults.
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