TED-ED: The tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice - Brendan Pelsue

Orpheus and Eurydice's love story begins with a perfect wedding, but tragedy strikes when Eurydice dies from a snake bite. Overcome with grief, Orpheus ventures into the underworld to bring her back. His music moves the guardians of the underworld, and Hades grants his plea with a condition: he must not look back at Eurydice as they ascend. Orpheus fails, losing her forever. Heartbroken, he sings of love and loss, inspiring new art forms. His refusal to love again angers the Maenads, who kill him. In death, Orpheus is reunited with Eurydice, and they find peace together.

What event led Orpheus to decide to journey to the underworld?

• Eurydice's death from a snake bite

• Eurydice's sudden illness

• A prophecy about Eurydice

• A challenge from the gods

How did Orpheus manage to enter the underworld?

• By fighting Cerberus

• By playing his lyre

• By bribing Charon

• By sneaking in unnoticed

What condition did Hades and Persephone impose on Orpheus for Eurydice's return?

• He must promise to return

• He must leave his lyre behind

• He must not look back at her

• He must not speak to her

What was the consequence of Orpheus looking back at Eurydice?

• She was lost to him forever

• They both returned to the underworld

• He was turned into stone

• She became a mortal

What new art form is said to have been born from Orpheus' experiences?

• The tragedy

• The love poem

• The epic poem

• The sonnet