# Orpheus — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Orpheus in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Eurydice Orpheus, Eurydice

**First appearance:** 0004-i-introduction

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [Bulfinch's Mythology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/bulfinch-s-mythology)

Musician who descended to Hades for Eurydice.

### [Ceyx and Halcyone: or, the Halcyon Birds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvii-the-golden-fleece-medea)

One of the Argonauts; celebrated for his music during the launching of the Argo.

### [The Golden Fleece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-golden-fleece)

The tuneful bard among the Argonauts, whose music is celebrated in the chapter.

### [Castor and Pollux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/orpheus-and-eurydice)

Son of Apollo and Calliope, master musician who descends to Hades to reclaim his wife Eurydice.

### [Aristaeus, the Beekeeper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/aristaeus-the-beekeeper)

Mentioned as the shade to whom funeral honors are paid; his death is avenged by the nymphs.

### [Musaeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/musaeus)

Mentioned as the father of Musaeus and as a figure whose song could move Pluto and the underworld.

### [Arion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxii-the-infernal-regions-the-sibyl)

In the Elysian fields, Orpheus strikes the chords of his lyre, calling forth ravishing sounds.

### [The Infernal Regions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-infernal-regions)

Orpheus is seen in Elysium, playing his lyre and producing ravishing sounds.

### [C](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/c)

Referenced indirectly through the Cumaean Sibyl and other entries.

### [E](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/e)

Husband of Eurydice, who descended to Hades to retrieve her.

### [O](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/o)

Musician, son of Apollo and Calliope.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/orpheus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters