SHORT SUMMARY OR OVERVIEW (Orpheus and Eurydice)
Orpheus is the son of Apollo. He is a sweet singer and played the lyre even when he was still a child. Through his singing, he was able to meet Eurydice, a fair maiden. They soon became lovers but when Orpheus was sent by his father to a far country, Eurydice was bitten by a snake and died.
GREATEST STRENGTH
Throughout the whole story, it was portrayed that the greatest strength of Orpheus is his singing and playing of his lyre. This is considered his greatest strength because he was able make a music so sweet that even the rocks were softened, the trees bent their branches to listen, while animals, birds, and even serpents drew near.
In his quest to save Eurydice from the underworld, his singing and playing of his lyre was his greatest weapon. Through this, he changed the three-headed dog from an ugly monster to a harmless being who even licked Orpheus' hands as he played. Charon, the boatman of the underworld, cried in tears as Orpheus played his sad song. He convinced Aides and Proserpine, the king and queen of the underworld, to return Eurydice back to the land of the living. Orpheus sang and played, until Proserpine's tears were falling fast, and Aides' stern face softened into pity.
GREATEST WEAKNESS
Although Orpheus was successful in convincing Aides and Proserpine to allow Eurydice to journey with Orpheus back home, he failed in fulfilling the one condition given -- not to look back until he reaches again the abodes of men. Thus, his greatest weakness is his forgetfulness. The story mentioned that Orpheus, in a moment of forgetfulness, looked back to see that Eurydice was really returning with him. He saw her gentle face and outstretched arms; but as he looked, she was borne back to Aides' kingdom, and Orpheus beheld her no more.
If you want to read the full story of Orpheus and Eurydice, it can be found in the book Stories of Old Greece by Emma M. Firth.
For more related topics, click on these links:
- Orpheus Character and Characteristics: brainly.ph/question/838622
- Summary of Orpheus and Eurydice: brainly.ph/question/547961
- Why Orpheus wins the symphathy of gods: brainly.ph/question/390034
