This is a story about love, loss, and a promise that couldn't be kept. It begins with Orpheus, son of the Muse Calliope, whose music was so powerful it could charm wild beasts and move inanimate stones. At his wedding to the nymph Eurydice, all should have been joyful. But the Roman poet Ovid records a dark omen. The god of marriage, Hymen, attended with a 'sour expression' and carried a torch that refused to catch flame. Instead, it only sputtered, hissing and releasing tear-provoking smoke. To the ancient guests, the meaning was clear. The sputtering torch was a sign that this marriage, born of such profound love, was not destined to reach a happy old age. The celebration continued, but under a cloud of unspoken dread.
Orpheus and Eurydice
The Greek myth of Orpheus, the musician who went down to the underworld to bring back his wife Eurydice, and lost her by looking back.
Chapter 1
The Sputtering Torch
0:51
Part of
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Orpheus?
Orpheus was a legendary musician from Greek mythology, said to be the son of the Muse Calliope. His skill with the lyre was so profound he could charm wild animals, move stones, and even make trees uproot themselves to follow his music.
Why did Orpheus have to go to the Underworld?
Orpheus descended into the Underworld to rescue his wife, Eurydice. She died from a viper's bite shortly after their wedding, and his grief was so immense that he resolved to persuade Hades, god of the dead, to let her return to the living world.
Why wasn't Orpheus allowed to look back at Eurydice?
Hades and Persephone set the condition that Orpheus could not look back as a test of his faith and obedience. The journey from the Underworld was a trial, and turning to check on Eurydice symbolized a lack of trust in the gods' promise, breaking their pact.
To continue the story, download the Chunks Microlearning app
Or get it straight away:
Download on iOS
Download on Android