# Orpheus — Essays character guide

> Orpheus in Essays by Henry David Thoreau.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0015-ossian

## Who they are

Mythical Greek musician; symbol of poetic power.

## In the story

### [Biographical Sketch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/biographical-sketch)

Referenced in Thoreau's critique of Greek poets for not providing a worthy hymn to the gods.

### [Homer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/homer)

Mentioned as a mythical poet who, like Homer, represents the ancient origins of poetry.

### [On the Duty of Civil Disobedience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/on-the-duty-of-civil-disobedience)

Alluded to in the context of resisting brute force; Thoreau cannot change nature like Orpheus.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters/orpheus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters