Orpheus was a musician, his music was filled with joy and happiness, for he was in love with Euridice, and she loved him in return. On the day of their wedding, he played his song as his bride danced through the meadow. Suddenly, she stepped on a snake and dead of its bite. Hermes gently closed her eyes with his wand and led her away to the Underworld.
No more songs came from Orpheus' throat, no more tunes rang out from his lyre. He lose all happiness in life. He had to bring her back!
Weeping and grieving, Orpheus wandered about searching for an entrance to Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and he found it when at the end of the world, he did what no living man had ever done before: went down to the realm of the dead to beg for the return of his beloved. Hoping that his music might move the cold heart of Hades, he walked down the dark, steep path, palying and singing.
His voice floated down and its magic move the iron gates of Hades. They sprang open and let him in, and Ceberus, the thre-headed watchdog, lay down at his feet and let him pass. The dark Underworld stilled and listened to his music. He sang about his great love, begged to have Euridice back.
Hades, the pitiless lord of the dead, sat on his black throne with Queen Persephone at his side. He was so moved by the music that tears rolled down his cheeks and cold Persephone sobbed. Her heart was so touched that she turned to Hades and begged him to let Euridice go. Hades gave Euridice a chance, with one condition: Orpheus must not look at his bride before they reached the realm of the living.
Orpheus was so glad, he started up the dark path, played his music. The way was long, and he began to doubt as he walked on and on. Had Hades deceived him? Were the sounds he heard behind him really Euridice's footsteps? He had almost reached the upper world and could see a light ahead, when he could bear his doubts no longer. He turn and saw she was really there, but for a moment, for again Hermes appeared at her side. Faintly, Orpheus heard her whisper farewell. He had lost her forever.
