Which legendary lyre-player journeyed to the Underworld to retrieve his wife?

Which legendary lyre-player journeyed to the Underworld to retrieve his wife?

• A. Orpheus
• B. Hermes
• C. Hercules
• D. Achilles

Answer: (A)

Orpheus, the legendary lyre-player, is famed for his musical power to move even the gods. After his wife Eurydice dies, he descends to the Underworld and plays his lyre to soften Hades and Persephone, winning permission to bring her back to the living world. A single condition is set: he may not look back at Eurydice as they ascend to the world above. He guides her toward the light, but at the last moment, he glances back, and Eurydice is lost to him forever in the realm of shadows. This tale is distinctive to Orpheus among these figures; the others are known for different roles or adventures and are not described as retrieving a wife from the Underworld.

Orpheus, the legendary lyre-player, is famed for his musical power to move even the gods. After his wife Eurydice dies, he descends to the Underworld and plays his lyre to soften Hades and Persephone, winning permission to bring her back to the living world. A single condition is set: he may not look back at Eurydice as they ascend to the world above. He guides her toward the light, but at the last moment, he glances back, and Eurydice is lost to him forever in the realm of shadows. This tale is distinctive to Orpheus among these figures; the others are known for different roles or adventures and are not described as retrieving a wife from the Underworld.