Eurydice (Greek myth)

Eurydice is a figure in Greek mythology, most famously known as the wife of Orpheus. Her story is one of tragic love, loss, and the limitations of even divine power against the forces of fate.

Eurydice's death typically occurs shortly after her marriage to Orpheus. She is bitten by a viper while attempting to flee from Aristaeus, a minor god or shepherd who pursued her. The venomous bite proves fatal, and she descends to the Underworld.

Orpheus, heartbroken by her death, uses his extraordinary musical talent to charm his way into Hades, the realm of the dead. His lyre playing and singing are so moving that he convinces Hades and Persephone to allow Eurydice to return to the world of the living.

Hades grants Orpheus his wish, but on one condition: that he must walk ahead of Eurydice on their journey back to the upper world, and he must not look back at her until they have both fully emerged into the sunlight.

As they near the exit, Orpheus, overcome with doubt and fear that Eurydice is not behind him, glances back. At that instant, Eurydice is pulled back down into the Underworld, lost to him forever.

The story of Eurydice and Orpheus has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, often exploring themes of love, loss, faith, doubt, and the nature of mortality. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience to the gods and the consequences of human fallibility. The myth has been a source of inspiration for numerous works of art, literature, and music across various cultures and eras.