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Orpheus in the underworld - the myths of ancient Greece. Encyclopedia of fairy tale characters: "Orpheus and Eurydice" Violation of the ban and its consequences

Page 1 of 2

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.

No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me too, even if underworld I will be with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.

For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:

Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:

Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. - I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld - Hades and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.

With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.

Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunder Zeus falls asleep as Hypnos splashes his potion on him.

Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.

But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

We offer you to read the text of the myth Ancient Greece Orpheus and Eurydice.

Orpheus and Eurydice read online

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.

— No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, waiting, like him, for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

- Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:

“Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

— Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld, Hades, and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.

Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.

Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.

But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

Without breathing, Persephone listened to the song, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. Terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his shining sword.

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:

- What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.

Orpheus said to Hades:

— Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She had lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you!

Thus spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:

“Intercede for me, beautiful queen!” You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!

- Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. “I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise...

- Anything you want! Orpheus exclaimed. “I am ready to do anything to see my Eurydice again!”

“You must not see her until you come into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know: Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!

And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.

Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating.

"Eurydice! Eurydice!

At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around.

Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him?

Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.

Where are you, Eurydice? Let me take a look at you! For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.

Orpheus turned to look at Eurydice

- Eurydice?

Immediately the shadow of Eurydice flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.

With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.

He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.

Selezneva Daria

Orpheus and Eurydice

Summary of the myth

Frederic Leighton. Orpheus and Eurydice

According to legend, in the north of Greece, in Thrace, the singer Orpheus lived. His name translates as "healing light."

He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks. For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived. Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. She disappeared unnoticed. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass. Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife, and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, Orpheus went to look for her in the underworld of Hades. For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead. Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them.

Having passed many trials in the realm of the dead, Orpheus, driven by the power of love, gets to the palace of the formidable ruler of the underworld - Hades. Orpheus turned to Hades with a request to return Eurydice to him, who is still so young and loved by him. Hades took pity on Orpheus and agreed to let his wife go only on one condition that Orpheus had to fulfill: he should not see her throughout their journey to the land of the living. He promised Orpheus that Eurydice would follow him, but he must not turn around and look at her. If he violates the ban, he will lose his wife forever.

Orpheus quickly went to the exit from the realm of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed the country of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently carried them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground. Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him.

At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around. Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him? Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around. For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment. Immediately the shadow of Eurydice flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness. With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone. He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs. Eurydice represents the divine soul of Orpheus, with whom he unites after death.

Images and symbols of myth

Orpheus, a mysterious image from Greek myths and the symbol of a musician who, with the conquering power of sounds, could move animals, plants and even stones, arouse compassion among the gods of the underworld (underworld). Image of Orpheus It is also about overcoming human alienation.

Orpheus- this is the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into space - the world of causality and harmony, forms and images, the real "human world".

The inability to keep love turned Orpheus also into a symbol of human weakness, leading to failure at the moment of crossing the fatal threshold, a reminder of the tragic side of life...

Image of Orpheus- the mythical personification of the secret doctrine, according to which the planets revolve around the Sun, located in the center of the universe. The force of attraction of the Sun is the source of universal connection and harmony, and the rays emanating from it are the cause of the movement of the particles of the Universe.

Image of Eurydice- a symbol of silent knowledge and oblivion. The idea of embodied silent omniscience and detachment. She is also associated with the image of the music that Orpheus is looking for.

The image of Lyra- magic tool, with the help of which Orpheus touches the hearts of not only people, but also the Gods.

Kingdom of Hades - realm of the dead, which begins far in the west, where the sun sinks into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of night, death, darkness, winter arises. The element of Hades is the earth, which again takes its children to itself, but in its bosom the seeds of a new life are hidden.

Communicative means of creating images and symbols

Emil Behn
Death of Orpheus, 1874

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice was first mentioned in the writings of the greatest Roman poet Publius Ovid Nason. His main work was the book Metamorphoses, in which Ovid outlines about 250 myths about transformations. Greek gods and heroes. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in his presentation attracted poets, artists and composers at all times and eras.

Almost all the plots of the myth are reflected in the paintings of Rubens, Tiepolo, Corot and many others.

Many operas were written, the leitmotif of which was the myth of Orpheus: the opera Orpheus (C. Monteverdi, 1607), the opera Orpheus (K. V. Gluck, 1762), the operetta Orpheus in Hell (J. Offenbach, 1858 )

In the 15-19 centuries. various plots of the myth were used by G. Bellini, F. Cossa, B. Carducci, G. V. Tiepolo, P. P. Rubens, Giulio Romano, J. Tintoretto, Domenichino, A. Canova, Rodin and others.

IN European literature 20-40s 20th century the theme "Orpheus and Eurydice" was developed by R. M. Rilke, J. Anouil, I. Gol, P. J. Zhuv, A. Gide and others.

Orpheus is the hero of the tragedy by J. Cocteau "Orpheus" (1928). Cocteau uses antique material in search of the eternal and always modern philosophical sense, hidden in the base ancient myth. The theme of Orpheus was devoted to two films by Charles Cocteau - "Orpheus" (1949) and "Testament of Orpheus" (1960). Antique singer - hero family drama» G. Ibsen's "Orpheus" (1884). T. Mann uses the image of Orpheus as the main character in the work "Death in Venice" (1911). Orpheus - the main thing actor in The Tin Drum (1959) by Günther Grass.

In Russian poetry of the early 20th century. the motives of the myth of Orpheus are reflected in the works of O. Mandelstam, M. Tsvetaeva ("Phaedra", 1923).

In 1975, composer Alexander Zhurbin and playwright Yuri Dimitrin wrote the first Soviet rock opera, Orpheus and Eurydice. It was staged by the Singing Guitars ensemble in opera studio at the Leningrad Conservatory. In 2003, the rock opera "Orpheus and Eurydice" was included in the Guinness Book of Records as a musical, the maximum number of times played by one team. At the time of registration of the record, the performance was performed for the 2350th time. This took place in the St. Petersburg theater "Rock Opera".

The social significance of the myth

"Landscape with Orpheus and Eurydice" 1648

Orpheus - greatest singer and a musician, the son of the muse Calliope and Apollo (according to another version, the Thracian king), from whom he receives his instrument, a 7-string lyre, to which he subsequently added 2 more strings, making it an instrument of 9 muses. According to the myths, Orpheus participated in the journey of the Argonauts for the Golden Fleece, helping out his friends during trials. Orpheus was considered the founder of Orphism - a special mystical cult. According to the Orphic teaching, the immortal soul dwells in a mortal body; after human death, she goes to the underworld for purification, and then moves to another shell - the body of a person, animal, etc., enriched by the experience gained during these successive reincarnations. Reflections of the Orphic idea that the soul can become free only by breaking away from the body.

Time passed, and the real Orpheus was hopelessly identified with his teachings and became a symbol of the Greek school of wisdom. The initiates abstained from carnal pleasures and wore clothes made of white linen, symbolizing purity. The Greeks highly appreciated the amazing strength and intelligence of Orpheus, his courage and fearlessness. He is a favorite of numerous legends, he patronized sports gymnasiums and palestras, where they taught young men the art of winning. And among the Romans, retired gladiators dedicated their weapons to the famous hero. The image of Orpheus to this day revives in people faith in the power of eternal, beautiful, incomprehensible love, faith in loyalty and devotion, in the unity of souls, faith that there is at least one small but hope to get out of the darkness of the underworld. He combined the inner and external beauty thus being a role model for many.

The teaching of Orpheus is the teaching of light, purity and great boundless love, it was received by all mankind, and every person inherited part of the light of Orpheus. This is a gift from the gods that lives in the soul of each of us.

Bibliography

Myths of the peoples of the world //http://myths.kulichki.ru
Summary: The image of Orpheus in mythology, ancient literature and art. Plots. Attributes http://www.roman.by
Orpheus //http://ru.wikipedia.org
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in lyrics Silver Age//http://gymn.tom.ru

Page 1 of 2

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.

- No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, just like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

- Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:

“Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

- Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.