Eurydice

=Eurydice=

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Eurydice, in Greek mythology, was an oak nymph. She was the wife of Orpheus, son of one of the muses and a Thracian prince. Orpheus wooed the maiden he dearly loved; on their wedding day, he played joyful songs as his bride danced through the meadow. However, Aristaeus, a satyr, saw and pursued Eurydice, who was bitten by a viper, dying instantly. Orpheus' grief was overwhelming, yet he was determined to go down to the underworld and try to bring Eurydice back. He took the fearsome journey and descended into the underworld. There he struck his lyre, and at the sound that vast multitude were charmed to stillness. Even Cerberus, the three-headed monster dog, relaxed his guard and let him pass. The ruler, Hades, and his cold Queen Persephone drew near to listen at the loss of his love. No one under the spell of his voice could refuse him. The heart that was frozen melted and iron tears rolled down Hades' cheek. They summoned Eurydice and gave her to him, but upon one condition: that he would not look back at her as she followed him, until they had reached the upper world. So the two passed through the great doors of Hades to the path which would take them out of the darkness. He knew that she must be just behind him, but he longed unutterably to give one glance to make sure. Now they were almost there, the blackness was turning gray; he stepped out joyfully into the daylight. Then he turned to her, yet she was still in the cavern. He saw her in the dim light and held out his arms to clasp her, but on that moment she was gone. All he heard was one faint word, "Farewell."

Edith Hamilton Mythology Timeless Tales Of Gods And Heroes http://www.paleothea.com/Myths/Orpheus.html