Definition: The legendary Orpheus, king of the Thracian tribe of Cicones, was probably the most famous human musician in antiquity. He may have invented the lyre, which Apollo taught him to play. Orpheus' talents won him (1) a place among the Argonauts, where his singing kept the Sirens from ruining their trip, and (2) an opportunity to try to rescue his wife, Eurydice, from the Underworld after she had died. Orpheus failed to rescue Eurydice because, contrary to instructions, he looked back at her before they had both reached the light of day.
After Orpheus had finally lost Eurydice, his sexual alliances were with men. Orpheus died when Dionysian Maenads tore him apart, like Pentheus.
Orphic poems and rituals come from the name Orpheus.
See Orpheus Profile
Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyzExamples: Orpheus may have been a son of the muse Calliope and the god Apollo.
[Main source: Kerenyi, Heroes of the Greeks]
