In the myth Orpheus, adapted by an unknown author, a man sorrows over his dead wife and tries to get her back. Orpheus was married to Eurydice in Thrace, when she ran into the woods and got bit by a snake. Then he traveled to the underworld and manipulated Hades’ wife (with his music) into letting Eurydice go back to life, but Orpheus lost her a second time. He sorrowed so much that the gods became aggravated with him. The maenads got drunk and attacked Orpheus, throwing his lifeless body and his lyre into the river. The gods let Orpheus live in Elysium with Eurydice and placed his lyre as a constellation of stars with the gods in heaven. Interfering with fate has negative consequences.
Orpheus’ interference with fate has negative consequences.
At the beginning of the story, Orpheus shows a tremendous talent for music. He can make anyone do anything he wants with his lyre, such as causing animals to fall asleep. Orpheus further displays his talent: “Neither man nor beast lived in his day that could not be swayed by the power of his melody. He played a lullaby and all the things slept.” (1) Orpheus has a special ability and he uses it to help others in his kingdom of Thrace. He also wins the heart of Eurydice, whom he …show more content…
When Eurydice dies from a snake bite, Orpheus convinces Zeus, Hades, and Persephone to let Eurydice return to life. He creates music to influence the gods: “Zeus, moved by the singer’s anguish and his song that celebrated Zeus’ defeat over the Titans, granted permission for Orpheus to take the journey to the underworld, but solemnly warned him of the terrible perils of his undertaking.” (1) Once Zeus permits Orpheus to visit Hades, Orpheus plays his music to remind Persephone of her childhood. Persephone’s feelings are influenced so much that Hades agrees to revive Eurydice. Orpheus’ involvement with Eurydice’s fate interfered with how life and death are supposed to