Mythology
Orpheus
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Orpheus, a
talented human, is very determined. He is strong-minded because when he
wanted to bring his wife, Eurydice, back from the dead, he did not ask
permission to go to the underworld. To reach his goal, he snuck into the land
of the dead by getting past many creatures, including the ferrymen, a
three-headed dog named Cerberus, and the judges of the dead. He passed them
by expertly playing the instrument he shined at, the lyre, and singing
beautiful songs in his hypnotic voice. Finally, he reached Hades who was very
upset because only the dead were allowed in his land and somehow Orpheus had
gotten in. Nobody had ever snuck into the underworld, but Orpheus did not
give up. Another time when Orpheus is so driven is when Hades refused to
bring back Eurydice from the dead. However, Orpheus would not take no for an
answer. Instead he pleaded with Hades and explained how Eurydice did not
deserve to die. When Hades refused again, Orpheus played his lyre
continuously until both Hades and his wife, Persephone, were entranced.
Finally Persephone said, ÒJust this once, Hades. Let him have her. Let her
go.Ó (P. 80) So Hades finally agreed to give Orpheus his wife back.
Therefore, Orpheus never gave up until he got what he wanted. |
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By Jessica,
June 2005 |
