https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQO9itWCZ8In Greek mythology, Orpheus and Eurydice are two lovers who are tragically separated. The cause of this changes with the version of the myth. In the main narrative, Eurydice dies unexpectedly and descends into the underworld.
Filled with grief, Orpheus descends into hell in pursuit of his spouse. A musician, he plays his song of grief to those he encounters, enchanting everyone, including Persephone and the hard-hearted Hades.
Moved to compassion, Hades agrees Orpheus can retrieve his wife from the underworld. However, there is one condition: Orpheus must walk the whole way to surface (with her following behind) without looking back to see her.
They ascend the circles; pass the Stygian river; the shades of the damned. Orpheus ascends in darkness. Because Eurydice is a shade, she makes no footsteps, she makes no noise. He can hear no one behind him.
He begins to think: Did Hades trick him? Is it all a cruel game?
They make it nearly to the opening to the underworld. But, right before Orpheus reaches the surface (and the sun), doubt overcomes him. He looks back to see his spouse. She has been there the whole time. But the minute he sees her she disappears, trapped forever in Hades.
It is a mysterious tale. Filled with symbolism & allegory.
