Orpheus and Eurydice

Hymen, the god of marriage, goes to Ciconia, in Thrace, at the request of Orpheus, who is about to get married. Unfortunately, things go wrong immediately. Hymen’s torch won’t light and only spreads smoke, and much worse follows. After the ceremony, Eurydice is walking with her naiads (young companions), when a snake bites her, and she dies. Orpheus mourns her and decides to descend to the underworld. After passing some terrifying hellish creatures, Orpheus plays his lyre and explains to Hades, god of the underworld, and his consort Persephone, why he has come. He has tried to bear his grief, but his love for Eurydice is too great. He asks that she be restored to life. If his wish is not granted, he does not want to return to earth.

The inhabitants of Hades are moved by Orpheus’s words and music; even the Furies weep. Orpheus is granted his wish, with one condition. Until he has passed the entrance to the underworld, he must not look round to see Eurydice; if he does, she will be lost to him again.