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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.
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The beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him for his songs. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.
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One day Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was picking flowers in the meadows. Unnoticed, she moved far from her husband, into the wilderness of the forest. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she got scared and, throwing the flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, without knowing the road, through the thick grass and in a rapid run stepped into a snake’s nest. The snake wrapped itself around her leg and bit her. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell onto the grass.
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Orpheus heard his wife's plaintive cry from a distance and hurried to her. But he saw large black wings flash between the trees - it was Death that was carrying Eurydice into the underworld.
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Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his melancholy in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees moved from 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 missed his beloved. Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not console himself, his sadness grew with each passing hour. - No, I can’t live without Eurydice! - he said. - The land is not dear to me without her. Let Death take me too, let me at least be in the underworld with my beloved!
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But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the kingdom of the dead himself. For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, to deep cave Tenara found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the bank of the Styx. Beyond this river began the kingdom of the dead.
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The waters of the Styx are black and deep, and it is scary for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs and quiet crying behind him - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, who were waiting for crossing into a country from which no one can return.
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A boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, was sailing for new newcomers. Charon silently moored to the shore, and shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon: - Take me to the other side too! But Charon refused: “I only transfer the dead to the other side.” When you die, I will come for you! - Have pity! - Orpheus prayed. - I don’t want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on earth alone! I want to see my Eurydice!
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The stern ferryman 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 arches of Hades, sad and gentle sounds. The cold waves of the Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on his oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently transported 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 walked boldly through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.
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So he reached the palace of the lord underground kingdom- Aida and entered the vast and gloomy hall. High on the golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him his beautiful queen Persephone.
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With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and his servants, Kera, crowded around him, flying on the battlefield and taking the lives of warriors. The stern judges of the underworld sat to the side of the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.
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Memories were hidden in the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns. They had scourges made of live snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those standing before the court. Orpheus saw many kinds of monsters in the kingdom of the dead: Lamia, which steals small children from 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 a sleepy drink in his silver horn, which no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into it with your potion.
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Hades looked menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled. But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy ruler and sang even more inspired: he sang about his love for Eurydice.
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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 kingdom of the dead?” Tell me what you want and I promise to fulfill your request.
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Orpheus said to Hades: - Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes us all someday and takes us to your kingdom - no mortal 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, had so little time to rejoice, loved so briefly... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live in the world a little longer, let her enjoy the sun, warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the spring beauty of the forests and my love. After all, she will return to you after all! So spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone: - Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life is on earth! Help me get my Eurydice back!
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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 earth. But you must promise... - Whatever you order! - Orpheus exclaimed. - I’m ready to do anything to see my Eurydice again! “You shouldn’t see her until you come out into the light,” Hades said. - 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.
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.
The beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him for his songs. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.
One day Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was picking flowers in the meadows. Unnoticed, she moved far from her husband, into the wilderness of the forest. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she got scared and, throwing the flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, without knowing the road, through the thick grass and in a rapid run stepped into a snake’s nest. The snake wrapped itself around her leg and bit her. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell onto the grass.
Orpheus heard his wife's plaintive cry from a distance and hurried to her. But he saw large black wings flash between the trees - it was Death that was carrying Eurydice into the underworld.
Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his melancholy in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees moved from 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 missed his beloved.
Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not console himself, his sadness grew with each passing hour.
- No, I can’t live without Eurydice! - he said. - The land is not dear to me without her. Let Death take me too, let me at least be in the underworld with my beloved!
But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the kingdom of the dead himself.
For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underground kingdom 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 bank of the Styx. Beyond this river began the kingdom of the dead.
The waters of the Styx are black and deep, and it is scary for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs and quiet crying behind him - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, who were waiting for crossing into a country from which no one can return.
A boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, was sailing for new newcomers. Charon silently moored to the shore, and shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:
- Take me to the other side too! But Charon refused:
- I only transfer the dead to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!
- Have pity! - Orpheus prayed. - I don’t want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on earth alone! I want to see my Eurydice!
The stern ferryman 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. Sad and gentle sounds echoed under the gloomy arches of Hades. The cold waves of the Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on his oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently transported 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 walked boldly 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 the golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him 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 his servants, Kera, crowded around him, flying on the battlefield and taking the lives of warriors. The stern judges of the underworld sat to the side of the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.
Memories were hidden in the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns. They had scourges made of live snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those standing before the court.
Orpheus saw many kinds of monsters in the kingdom of the dead: Lamia, which steals small children from 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 a sleepy drink in his silver horn, which no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into it with your potion.
Hades looked menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around him began to tremble.
But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy ruler and sang even more inspired: he sang about his love for Eurydice.
Persephone listened to the song without breathing, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. The terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his sparkling 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 kingdom of the dead? Tell me what you want and I promise to fulfill your request.
Orpheus said to Hades:
- Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes us all someday and takes us to your kingdom - no mortal 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, had so little time to rejoice, loved so briefly... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live in the world a little longer, let her enjoy the sun, warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the spring beauty of the forests and my love. After all, she will return to you after all!
So spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:
- Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life is on earth! 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 earth. But you have to promise...
- Whatever you order! - Orpheus exclaimed. - I’m ready to do anything to see my Eurydice again!
“You shouldn’t see her until you come out into the light,” Hades said. - Return to earth and know: Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!
And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.
Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the kingdom of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed through the land of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently transported them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.
Orpheus slowly climbed the mountain. It was dark and quiet around him and quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating:
“Eurydice! Eurydice!
Finally it began to get lighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became ahead, and now everything around was clearly visible.
Anxiety squeezed Orpheus’s heart: is Eurydice here? Is he following him?
Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.
- Where are you, Eurydice? Let me look at you! For a moment, very close, he saw a sweet shadow, dear, beautiful face...But only for a moment.
Eurydice's shadow immediately flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.
- Eurydice?!
With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to go back down the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the ferryman. But in vain he prayed and called: no one responded to his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat on the bank of the Styx alone and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.
He had to return to earth and live. But he couldn't forget his only love- Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.
Arno Breker - Orpheus and Eurydice 1944
Orpheus · son of the Thracian river god Eagr (option: Apollo, Clem. Rom. Hom. V 15) and the muse Calliope (Apollod. I 3, 2). Orpheus was famous as a singer and musician, endowed magical power art, to which not only people, but also gods, and even nature submitted. He participates in the Argonauts' campaign, playing the forming and praying to calm the waves and helping the rowers of the ship "Argo" (Diod. 43.1; 48.6). His music calms the anger of the powerful Idas (Apollod. Rhod. I 492-515). Orpheus is married to Eurydice and, when she suddenly dies from a snake bite, he goes after her to the kingdom of the dead. Hades's dog Cerberus, the Erinyes, Persephone and Hades are subdued by the play of Orpheus. Hades promises Orpheus to return Eurydice to earth if he fulfills his request - he will not look at his wife before entering his house. Happy Orpheus returns with his wife, but violates the ban by turning to his wife, who immediately disappears into the kingdom of death (Ovid. Met. X 1-63).
Orpheus did not honor Dionysus, considering Helios the greatest god and calling him Apollo. The angry Dionysus sent maenads to Orpheus. They tore Orpheus to pieces, scattering parts of his body everywhere, which were then collected and buried by the muses (Ps.-Eratosth. 24). The death of Orpheus, who died from the wild fury of the bacchantes, was mourned by birds, animals, forests, stones, trees, enchanted by his music. His head floats along the Gebr River to the island of Lesbos, where Apollo receives it.
The shadow of Orpheus descends into Hades, where it unites with Eurydice (Ovid. Met. XI 1-66). On Lesbos, the head of Orpheus prophesied and performed miracles (Orph. Vit. frg. 115, 118-119). According to the version set forth by Ovid (Ovid. Met. XI 67-84), the Bacchae tore Orpheus to pieces and were punished by Dionysus for this: they were turned into oak trees.
The myths about Orpheus combine a number of ancient motifs (cf. the magical effect of Orpheus’ music and the myth of Amphion, the descent of Orpheus into Hades and the myth of Hercules in Hades, the death of Orpheus at the hands of the Bacchantes and the torn apart of Zagreus). Orpheus is close to the muses (Eur. Rhes. 943), he is the brother of the singer Linus (Apollod. I 3, 2). Orpheus is the founder of Bacchic orgies (Eur. Hippol. 953) and ancient religious rites (Aristoph. Ran. 1032). He is initiated into the Samothrace Mysteries (Diod. 43, 1). The name of Orpheus is associated with a system of religious and philosophical views (Orphism), which arose on the basis of the Apollo-Dionysus synthesis in the 6th century. BC. in Attica.
Persephone listened to the song without breathing, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. The terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his sparkling 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 kingdom of the dead? Tell me what you want and I promise to fulfill your request.
Orpheus said to Hades:
Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes us all someday and takes us to your kingdom - no mortal 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, had so little time to rejoice, loved so briefly... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live in the world a little longer, let her enjoy the sun, warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the spring beauty of the forests and my love. After all, she will return to you after all!
So spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:
Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life is on earth! 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 earth. But you have to promise...
Anything you want! - Orpheus exclaimed. - I’m ready to do anything to see my Eurydice again!
You must not see her until you come out into the light,” Hades said. - Return to earth and know: Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!
Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the kingdom of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed through the land of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently transported them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.
Orpheus slowly climbed the mountain. It was dark and quiet around him and quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating:
“Eurydice! Eurydice!
Finally it began to get lighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became ahead, and now everything around was clearly visible.
Anxiety squeezed Orpheus’s heart: is Eurydice here? Is he following him?
Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.
Where are you, Eurydice? Let me look at you! For a moment, very close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.
Eurydice?!
With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to go back down the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the ferryman. But in vain he prayed and called: no one responded to his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat on the bank of the Styx alone 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.
Myths and legends ancient Greece. Illustrations: G. Kislyakova
» — famous picture which he wrote French artist Jean Baptiste Camille Corot(1796-1875). The painting was based on one of the paintings, which tells the story of the musician Orpheus and his wife, the nymph Eurydice. It is worth noting that Camille Corot is not the only artist who turned to this myth to create a painting; for example, Nicolas Poussin has the painting “Landscape with Orpheus and Eurydice.” It is also worth knowing that the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice played a very important role in the development of opera.
Brief description of the myth “Orpheus and Eurydice”
Eurydice, a beautiful nymph, became the wife of the great musician Orpheus. Orpheus, in turn, was the son of the river god Eager and the muse Calliope. Orpheus loved his wife very much, but his happiness was prevented by the bite of a poisonous snake. His favorite muse died from the bite.
After much suffering, Orpheus finally decided to return Eurydice and descended into the kingdom of the dead. Here he met the ferryman of souls Charon, whom he bewitched with his music on the lyre and who transported him to the other side of the River Styx, to the kingdom of Hades. Orpheus also impressed King Hades with his music, so much so that he agreed to release Eurydice into the world of the living, but only on one condition. Hermes will go ahead of him, whom Orpheus must follow relentlessly. Eurydice will walk behind him. No matter what happens, he shouldn't look back. If Orpheus looks back at least once, his wife will return to the world of the dead. Orpheus agreed and followed Hermes.
They walked for a long time in the twilight. Since Eurydice was only a shadow in the world of the dead, he did not hear her steps at all and constantly doubted whether his beloved had fallen behind, had she gotten lost in the darkness? And now a light appeared ahead, which indicated the exit to the world of the living. The path began to climb steeply, everything around was cluttered with stones. Orpheus became even more worried that Eurydice had fallen behind, because when the exit was already so close, he could simply lose her... and then he turned around. Orpheus saw his wife very close, but Hades’ instructions worked and she immediately disappeared.
Jean Baptiste Camille Corot - Orpheus leading Eurydice through the underworld
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The myth of Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice is one of the most famous myths about love. No less interesting is this mysterious singer himself, about whom not much reliable information has survived. The myth of Orpheus, which we will talk about, is only one of the few legends dedicated to this character. There are also many legends and fairy tales about Orpheus.
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice: summary
In Thrace, located in northern Greece, lived, according to legend, this great singer. Translated, his name means “healing with light.” He had a wonderful gift of songs. His fame spread throughout the Greek land. Eurydice, a young beauty, fell in love with him for his beautiful songs and became his wife. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice begins with a description of these happy events.
However, the carefree happiness of the lovers was short-lived. The myth of Orpheus continues with the fact that one day the couple went into the forest. Orpheus sang and played the seven-string cithara. Eurydice began to collect flowers growing in the clearings.
The Kidnapping of Eurydice
Suddenly the girl felt that someone was running after her through the forest. She got scared and rushed to Orpheus, throwing flowers. The girl ran through the grass, not making out the road, and suddenly she fell into a snake wrapped around her leg and stung Eurydice. The girl screamed loudly in fear and pain. She fell on the grass. Hearing the plaintive cry of his wife, Orpheus hurried to her aid. But he only managed to see how large black wings flashed between the trees. Death took the girl to the underworld. It’s interesting how the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will continue, isn’t it?
Orpheus' grief
The great singer’s grief was very great. After reading the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, we learn that the young man left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests. In his songs, Orpheus poured out his longing. They had such power that the trees that had fallen from their places surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, stones moved closer and closer, and birds left their nests. Everyone listened to how Orpheus yearned for his beloved girl.
Orpheus goes to the kingdom of the dead
Days passed, but the singer could not console himself. His sadness grew every hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, he decided to go to the underworld of Hades in order to find her. Orpheus searched for the entrance there for a long time. Finally, he found a stream in Tenara's deep cave. It flowed into the river Styx, located underground. Orpheus went down the stream bed and reached the bank of the Styx. The kingdom of the dead, which began beyond this river, was revealed to him. The waters of the Styx were deep and black. It was scary for a living creature to step into them.
Hades gives Eurydice
Orpheus went through many trials in this terrible place. Love helped him cope with everything. Eventually, Orpheus reached the palace of Hades, ruler of the underworld. He turned to him with a request to return Eurydice, a girl so young and beloved by him. Hades took pity on the singer and agreed to give him his wife. However, one condition had to be met: it was impossible to look at Eurydice until he brought her to the kingdom of the living. Orpheus made a promise that throughout the entire journey he would not turn around and look at his beloved. If the ban was violated, the singer risked losing his wife forever.
Return trip
Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the underworld. He passed through the domain of Hades in the form of a spirit, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. The lovers boarded the boat of Charon, who silently carried the couple to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led to the ground. Orpheus slowly climbed up. It was quiet and dark around. It seemed that no one was following him.
Violation of the ban and its consequences
But it began to get brighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was already close. And the shorter the distance to the exit, the brighter it became. Finally, everything around me became clearly visible. Orpheus' heart was filled with anxiety. He began to doubt whether Eurydice was following him. Forgetting his promise, the singer turned around. For a moment, very close, he saw a beautiful face, a sweet shadow... The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice tells that this shadow immediately flew away and disappeared into the darkness. Orpheus, with a desperate cry, began to go back down the path. He again came to the shore of the Styx and began to call the ferryman. Orpheus prayed in vain: no one responded. The singer sat alone for a long time on the bank of the Styx and waited. However, he never waited for anyone. He had to return to earth and continue to live. He was never able to forget Eurydice, his only love. The memory of her lived in his songs and in his heart. Eurydice is the divine soul of Orpheus. He will unite with her only after death.
This ends the myth of Orpheus. Summary We will supplement it with an analysis of the main images presented in it.
Image of Orpheus
Orpheus is a mysterious image that is found in a number of Greek myths. This is a symbol of a musician who conquers the world with the power of sounds. He is able to move plants, animals and even stones, and also evoke in the gods of the underworld (the underworld) compassion that is not typical for them. The image of Orpheus also symbolizes overcoming alienation.
This singer can be seen as the personification of the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into the cosmos. Thanks to art, a world of harmony and causality, images and forms is created, that is, the “human world”.
Orpheus, unable to hold on to his love, also became a symbol of human weakness. Because of her, he was unable to cross the fatal threshold and failed in his attempt to return Eurydice. This is a reminder that there is a tragic side to life.
The image of Orpheus is also considered a mythical personification of one secret teaching, according to which the planets move around the Sun, located at the center of the Universe. The source of universal harmony and connection is the force of its attraction. And the rays emanating from it are the reason why particles move in the Universe.
Image of Eurydice
The myth of Orpheus is a legend in which the image of Eurydice is a symbol of oblivion and tacit knowledge. This is the idea of detachment and silent omniscience. In addition, it is correlated with the image of music, in search of which Orpheus is.
The Kingdom of Hades and the Image of Lyra
The kingdom of Hades, depicted in the myth, is the kingdom of the dead, beginning far in the west, where the sun plunges into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of winter, darkness, death, night appears. The element of Hades is the earth, which again takes its children to itself. However, the sprouts of new life lurk in her womb.
The image of Lyra represents the magical element. With his help, Orpheus touches the hearts of both people and gods.
Reflection of myth in literature, painting and music
This myth was first mentioned in the writings of Publius Ovid Naso, the major “Metamorphoses” - a book that is his main work. In it, Ovid expounds about 250 myths about the transformations of heroes and gods of ancient Greece.
The myth of Orpheus outlined by this author has attracted poets, composers and artists in all eras and times. Almost all of his subjects are represented in the paintings of Tiepolo, Rubens, Corot and others. Many operas have been created based on this plot: “Orpheus” (1607, author - C. Monteverdi), “Orpheus in Hell” (operetta of 1858, written by J. Offenbach), “Orpheus” (1762, author - K.V. Glitch).
As for literature, in Europe in the 20-40s of the 20th century this topic was developed by J. Anouilh, R. M. Rilke, P. J. Zhuve, I. Gol, A. Gide and others. At the beginning of the 20th century in Russian poetry, the motifs of myth were reflected in the work of M. Tsvetaeva (“Phaedra”) and in the work of O. Mandelstam.
