Metamorphoses · Chapter
Story of Orpheus and Eurydice explained
Orpheus, a master musician, descends into the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice after she dies from a viper's bite.
What happens
Orpheus, a master musician, descends into the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice after she dies from a viper's bite. He charms Pluto and Persephone with his music, and they agree to release Eurydice on the condition that Orpheus does not look back at her until they reach the upper world. Overcome by love and doubt, he turns to gaze at her just before exiting, causing her to vanish forever. Grief-stricken, Orpheus shuns all women and retreats to nature, where his music causes trees and rocks to gather around him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
Orpheus's profound love for Eurydice drives him to brave the underworld, but his desire to see her leads to her second death.
Mortality and Immortality
Eurydice's death and temporary return highlight the boundary between mortal life and the eternal realm of the dead.
Art and Creativity
Orpheus's music charms even the gods and the dead, demonstrating the transformative power of art.
Fate and Prophecy
The condition imposed by Pluto and the inevitability of Eurydice's second death underscore the role of fate.
Characters to notice
- Orpheus
The Thracian bard who descends to Hades to reclaim his wife Eurydice, loses her by looking back, and later shuns womankind.
- Pluto
King of the underworld, moved by Orpheus's music to grant Eurydice's return under strict conditions.
- Proserpine
Queen of the underworld, who along with Pluto is swayed by Orpheus's plea.
- Hymen
The god of marriage who attends Orpheus's wedding with ill omens.
- Cerberus
The three-headed dog of Hades, whose attention is diverted by Orpheus's music.
Key passages
“Orpheus, by his skill in music, obtains from Pluto the restoration of his wife Eurydice on condition of not looking behind him till his arrival in the upper regions: his promises are forgotten; and he turns to gaze on his long-lost wife, who instantly vanishes from his eyes”
Orpheus uses his musical talent to persuade Pluto to return Eurydice, but he must not look back until they reach the surface; he fails and loses her forever.
This is the central plot of the chapter.
“Thus, while the bard melodiously complains, And to his lyre accords his vocal strains, The very bloodless shades attention keep, And silent seem compassionate to weep”
As Orpheus sings and plays his lyre, even the ghosts in the underworld pause and appear to weep in sympathy.
Highlights the power of Orpheus's music over the dead.
“He, mistrusting lest her steps might stray, And gladsome of the glimpse of dawning day, His longing eyes impatient backward cast To catch a lover's look, but look'd his last”
Orpheus, worried that Eurydice might lag behind and eager to see the daylight, turns back to look at her—a fatal mistake.
Describes the moment of Orpheus's failure.