A Critique Paper on Orpheus and Eurydice

By Joshua Nhiel P. Montebon

This critique paper on the story of Cupid and Psyche will talk about the meaning of their
love and all other aspects of loving. The story is a myth and was told by Apollonius of Rhodes.

The myth begins with the birth of Orpheus to Apollo, the god of the sun and music, and
Calliope, the Muse of the Arts. As a result, it's no surprise that Orpheus was a fantastic
musician. Whether he sang or played the lyre, his music was so powerful and beautiful that
it swayed even trees and rocks. He came across an exquisite woman named Eurydice one
day, and after a period of courting, they realized they loved each other deeply and married.
However, it was predicted that their marriage would fail. This was the truth when Eurydice
was killed by a snake while fleeing Aristaeus, a shepherd who desired her as his wife.
Orpheus was devastated and ventured the earth for a long time before attempting to visit
the Underworld to bring back Eurydice. His music was sorrowful and powerful that it got
him past Cerberus, the dog who guarded the Underworld, and convinced Hades to let
Eurydice go. Orpheus was forbidden from looking at Eurydice until they reached the upper
world. Of course, this was quickly met, and they were off. Orpheus looked, but whether by
accident or distrust, Eurydice returned to the Underworld forever... Orpheus was
distraught, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to return to the Underworld. He cut
off all contact with humans and wandered the wilderness, singing mournfully. He was later
destroyed apart by women who were unable to earn his love.

This story shows us the importance of trust, Orpheus is tested in this story. He has every reason
not to trust the gods because he lost his wife, Eurydice, to a snake bite on their wedding night.
(Which was stated in paragraph 4, line 6 in the story).That would shake anyone's faith in love, in
fate, or in the gods. Orpheus has the talent with music to charm his way into the underworld, but
that is not enough. He must show he has the fortitude not once to glance back and see if his
beloved Eurydice is truly behind him. He holds strong until the very end, when he takes one
quick glimpse back to make sure she is behind him as he steps out of Hades. That moment when
his trust wavers is his undoing. To have love, we must have trust. Trust is difficult to develop,
but it is essential in a loving relationship. None of us will ever be in Orpheus' shoes in terms of a
literal journey to the underworld, but most of us will face a "hell" in which our love is tested and
only trust will allow it to survive.

Overall, this story provides us with the power of trust in the universe and our loved ones.
We can't keep looking over our shoulders—even once—and second-guessing.
References:
https://interestingliterature.com/2021/01/orpheus-eurydice-myth-summary-analysis/
https://www.theoi.com/articles/the-tragic-myth-about-orpheus-and-eurydice/
https://mythologysource.com/orpheus-and-eurydice/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RthtmfQEnWg
https://study.com/academy/lesson/orpheus-eurydice-myth-lesson-for-kids.html

Bibliography
Hamilton, E. (1942). Mythology: Timesless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New York: Grand Central
Publishing.