5/9
Orpheus. Liebig illustrations, early 20C AD. Artist n/a.

Orpheus practised minstrelsy and by his songs moved stones and trees, holding also a spell over the wild beasts.

Orpheus bewitches the wild beasts (and beautiful women too)

Orpheus travelled to Egypt where he increased his knowledge about the gods and their initiatory rites, bringing from that country most of his mystic ceremonies, and orgiastic rites.

Orpheus in Egypt

Orpheus is counted among the ARGONAUTS. When they sailed past the SIRENS, Orpheus, by chanting a counter melody restrained all of them except Butes 1, who swam off to the SIRENS.

Orpheus with the ARGONAUTS

Having descended to the Underworld, Orpheus accompanied his words with the music of the lyre. He entranced Persephone by his songs, and persuaded her to help him in his desire to bring back to life his dead wife. And so even Hades himself was persuaded to let her go. Death and Hermes are seen standing beside the ruler of the Underworld, while Cerberus 1, the hound of Hades, examines Orpheus.

Hades promised to release Eurydice 5 if Orpheus, on his way up, would not turn round until he came to his own house. But Orpheus forgot, and when he turned round and looked at his wife, she instantly slipped into the depths again. In this manner Orpheus lost her a second time. In the illustration, Hermes appears separating the lovers.

Orpheus loses his wife a second time

According to some, Orpheus was torn in pieces by the MAENADS (but see Orpheus for other versions of his death).

The MAENADS kill Orpheus