Orpheus and Eurydice

Those who know the story of Orpheus are often left frustrated with the ending. After his wife, Eurydice, tragically dies, Orpheus weeps and composes sad music. Hades, ruler of the Underworld, is soon swayed to allow Orpheus to bring his wife back into the world of the living, on the condition that he does not turn to look at her until they have left the Underworld. However, Orpheus is filled with fear and doubt and turns to make sure his wife is behind him, ultimately causing their eternal separation. They wonder how Orpheus could be so foolish as to ruin the only chance he has to see his wife again – a miracle that others could never dream of receiving. “He could have just not turned around, and they would have been reunited.” Losing his wife like this a second time seems almost laughable. What these people do not understand is that this story should not be viewed literally, as Orpheus making a foolish mistake, ruining the divine opportunity given him, but rather a picture of how grief impacts a person. Orpheus’ story is a depiction of how grief traps a person and causes one to be unable to cope with a loved one’s death. Those who are quick to criticize Orpheus must view his story in a realistic sense of dealing with grief. Orpheus is a representation of those who, instead of looking to the future and seek healing, are constantly looking back and reminiscing past moments, ultimately faced with the fact that there is no way to reverse loss. When viewed in this realistic, relatable lens, the story of Orpheus becomes much less absurd, and instead a reflection of true human struggles.