Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Orpheus

Legendary musician who descended to the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice.

minor

Also known as Eurydice Orpheus, Eurydice

First appearance: i introduction

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Musician who descended to Hades for Eurydice.

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In Bulfinch's Mythology: Musician who descended to Hades for Eurydice. Later, in Ceyx and Halcyone: or, the Halcyon Birds: Morpheus, son of Somnus, is described as the most expert in counterfeiting forms; he assumes…

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See Orpheus in i introduction

Character Web

22 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek Mythological Heroes
Greek and Trojan Heroes
Orlando Epic Characters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Bulfinch's Mythology
Musician who descended to Hades for Eurydice.
Ceyx and Halcyone: or, the Halcyon Birds
Morpheus, son of Somnus, is described as the most expert in counterfeiting forms; he assumes the shape of Ceyx to appear to Halcyone.
The Golden Fleece—Medea
One of the Argonauts; celebrated for his music during the launching of the Argo.
The Golden Fleece
The tuneful bard among the Argonauts, whose music is celebrated in the chapter.
Castor and Pollux
Prayed to the Samothracian gods and played his harp during the Argonautic storm, causing stars to appear on the brothers' heads.
Orpheus and Eurydice—Aristaeus—Amphion—Linus—Thamyris—Marsyas—Melampus—Musaeus
Son of Apollo and Calliope, gifted musician who descends to Hades to retrieve his wife Eurydice but loses her by looking back.
Orpheus and Eurydice
Son of Apollo and Calliope, master musician who descends to Hades to reclaim his wife Eurydice.
Aristaeus, the Beekeeper
Mentioned as the shade to whom funeral honors are paid; his death is avenged by the nymphs.
Musaeus
Mentioned as the father of Musaeus and as a figure whose song could move Pluto and the underworld.
Arion
Referenced in Arion's song as one who found and lost Eurydice, drawing a parallel to Arion's own impending loss.
XXXII: The Infernal Regions—The Sibyl
In the Elysian fields, Orpheus strikes the chords of his lyre, calling forth ravishing sounds.
The Infernal Regions
Orpheus is seen in Elysium, playing his lyre and producing ravishing sounds.
C
Referenced indirectly through the Cumaean Sibyl and other entries.
E
Husband of Eurydice, who descended to Hades to retrieve her.
O
Musician, son of Apollo and Calliope.

Chapter companion notes

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See Orpheus in i introduction

See Orpheus in Bulfinch's Mythology