Orpheus
The legendary poet-musician whose singing could charm animals, move trees, and halt rivers — and who nearly rescued his wife from death itself.
The Legend of Orpheus
Orpheus was the son of the Muse Calliope and the Thracian king Oeagrus (or Apollo, in some traditions). His music was supernatural in its power: when he sang and played his lyre, wild animals lay down peacefully, trees uprooted themselves to draw closer, and rivers paused in their courses. He sailed with the Argonauts, and his singing drowned out the Sirens, saving the crew where even wax earplugs might have failed. When his wife Eurydice died from a serpent bite, Orpheus descended to the Underworld and sang before Hades and Persephone. His music was so beautiful that the torments of the damned ceased: Tantalus forgot his thirst, Sisyphus sat upon his boulder, and even the Erinyes wept. Hades agreed to release Eurydice on one condition: Orpheus must not look back until reaching the surface. At the very threshold of daylight, he turned — and Eurydice vanished forever. Orpheus was later torn apart by Maenads, but his severed head continued singing as it floated down the river.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Orpheus
🗡 heroLegendary musician and poet
The greatest musician in Greek mythology, whose playing could charm animals, trees, and even stones. His descent into the underworld to rescue his wife is one of myth's most poignant tales.
Linus
🗡 heroNone recorded
Legendary musician and teacher killed by his pupil Heracles with a lyre
Sappho
🗡 heroGreatest lyric poet, legend of Lesbos
Sappho was the historical poet of Lesbos whose life became so encrusted with legend — especially her alleged leap from the Leucadian cliff — that she exists at the boundary of myth and history.
Bellerophon
🗡 heroThe hero who tamed Pegasus
The Corinthian hero who tamed the winged horse Pegasus and slew the Chimera, but fell from heaven when he tried to reach Olympus.
Arion
🗡 heroPoet saved by dolphins
Arion was a legendary poet and musician whose life was saved by a dolphin when pirates forced him to jump overboard.
Demodocus
🗡 heroNone recorded
Blind bard of the Phaeacians whose songs moved Odysseus to reveal his identity
Phemius
🗡 heroNone recorded
Ithacan bard forced to sing for the suitors, spared by Odysseus after the slaughter
Jason
🗡 heroLeader of the Argonauts
The hero who assembled the Argonauts and sailed to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece, aided by Medea's sorcery.
Butes
🗡 heroBeekeeping, Resistance, Sirens
Argonaut and Athenian hero who alone leaped toward the Sirens and was saved by Aphrodite.
Busiris
🗡 heroNone recorded
Egyptian king who sacrificed strangers to Zeus until Heracles broke free and killed him
Icarius
🗡 heroNone recorded
A legendary king of Sparta and father of Penelope who tried to prevent his daughter from leaving with Odysseus after her marriage
Tyro
🗡 herolove
Beautiful princess who fell in love with the river god Enipeus, only to be seduced by Poseidon disguised as the river.