Orpheus and Eurydice - continued. The painting "Orpheus leading Eurydice through the underworld" Jean Baptiste Camille Corot Paintings for the legend of Orpheus

Without breathing, Persephone listened to the song, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. Terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his shining sword.

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:

What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.

Orpheus said to Hades:

Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She has lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you!

Thus spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:

Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!

Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. - I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise...

Whatever you order! Orpheus exclaimed. - I'm ready for anything to see my Eurydice again!

You must not see her until you come out into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know that Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!

Orpheus quickly went to the exit from the realm of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed the country of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently carried them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.

Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating.

"Eurydice! Eurydice!

At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around.

Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him?

Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.

Where are you, Eurydice? Let me take a look at you! For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.

Eurydice?!

With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.

He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.

Myths and legends of ancient Greece. Illustrations: G. Kislyakova

The myth of Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice is one of the most famous love myths. No less interesting is this mysterious singer himself, about whom not much reliable information has been preserved. The myth of Orpheus, which we will talk about, is only one of the few legends dedicated to this character. There are also many legends and fairy tales about Orpheus.

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice: a summary

In Thrace, located in northern Greece, lived, according to legend, this great singer. In translation, his name means "healing light." He had a wonderful gift for songs. His fame spread throughout the Greek land. Eurydice, a young beauty, fell in love with him for his beautiful songs and became his wife. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice begins with a description of these happy events.

However, the carefree happiness of the beloved was short-lived. The myth of Orpheus continues with the fact that one day the couple went to the forest. Orpheus sang and played the seven-stringed cithara. Eurydice began to collect flowers growing in the clearings.

The Abduction of Eurydice

Suddenly, the girl felt that someone was running after her through the forest. She was frightened and rushed to Orpheus, throwing flowers. The girl ran across the grass, not making out the road, and suddenly got into a snake wrapped around her leg and stung Eurydice. The girl screamed loudly in fear and pain. She fell onto the grass. Hearing the plaintive cry of his wife, Orpheus hurried to her aid. But he only managed to see how large black wings flickered between the trees. Death took the girl to the underworld. I wonder how the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will continue, isn't it?

Woe to Orpheus

The grief of the great singer was very great. After reading the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, we learn that the young man left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests. In his songs, Orpheus poured out his longing. They had such strength that the trees that came down from their places surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, stones moved closer and closer, and birds left their nests. Everyone listened to how Orpheus yearned for his beloved girl.

Orpheus goes to the realm of the dead

Days passed, but the singer could not console himself in any way. His sadness grew with each passing hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, he decided to go to the underworld of Hades in order to find her. Orpheus was looking for an entrance there for a long time. Finally, he found a stream in the deep cave of Tenara. It flowed into the river Styx, which is underground. Orpheus went down the bed of the stream and reached the banks of the Styx. The kingdom of the dead, which began beyond this river, opened to him. Deep and black were the waters of the Styx. A living being was afraid to step into them.

Hades gives Eurydice

Orpheus went through many trials in this eerie place. Love helped him cope with everything. In the end, Orpheus reached the palace of Hades, the ruler of the underworld. He turned to him with a request to return Eurydice, a girl so young and beloved by him. Hades took pity on the singer and agreed to give him his wife. However, one condition had to be met: it was impossible to look at Eurydice until he brought her to the kingdom of the living. Orpheus made a promise that throughout the journey he would not turn around and look at his beloved. In case of violation of the ban, the singer threatened to lose his wife forever.

Return trip

Orpheus quickly headed for the exit from the underworld. He passed the domain of Hades in the form of a spirit, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. The lovers got into the boat of Charon, who silently carried the spouses to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led to the ground. Orpheus slowly climbed up. The surroundings were quiet and dark. It seemed that no one was following him.

Violation of the ban and its consequences

But ahead it began to lighten, the exit to the ground was already close. And the shorter the distance to the exit, the lighter it became. Finally, it became clear to see everything around. Orpheus's heart tightened with anxiety. He began to doubt whether Eurydice was following him. Forgetting his promise, the singer turned around. For a moment, very close, he saw a beautiful face, a sweet shadow ... The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice tells that this shadow immediately flew away, dissolved in darkness. Orpheus with a desperate cry began to descend the path back. He again came to the banks of the Styx and began to call the carrier. Orpheus pleaded in vain: no one answered. The singer sat alone for a long time on the banks of the Styx and waited. However, he never waited for anyone. He had to return to earth and continue to live. Forget Eurydice, his only love, he could not. The memory of her lived in his songs and in his heart. Eurydice is the divine soul of Orpheus. He will unite with her only after death.

This ends the myth of Orpheus. We will supplement its summary with an analysis of the main images presented in it.

Image of Orpheus

Orpheus is a mysterious image that is found in general in a number of Greek myths. This is a symbol of a musician who conquers the world with the power of sounds. He is able to move plants, animals and even stones, and also to cause the gods of the underworld (underworld) compassion that is not characteristic of them. The image of Orpheus also symbolizes the overcoming of alienation.

This singer can be regarded as the personification of the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into a cosmos. Thanks to art, a world of harmony and causality, images and forms, that is, the "human world" is created.

Orpheus, unable to keep his love, also became a symbol of human weakness. Because of her, he was unable to cross the fatal threshold and failed in his attempt to return Eurydice. This is a reminder that there is a tragic side to life.

The image of Orpheus is also considered the mythical personification of one secret teaching, according to which the planets move around the Sun, which is at the center of the Universe. The source of universal harmony and connection is the power of its attraction. And the rays emanating from it are the reason why particles move in the Universe.

Image of Eurydice

The myth of Orpheus is a legend in which the image of Eurydice is a symbol of oblivion and tacit knowledge. This is the idea of ​​detachment and silent omniscience. In addition, it is correlated with the image of music, in search of which Orpheus is.

The kingdom of Hades and the image of Lyra

The kingdom of Hades, depicted in myth, is the kingdom of the dead, starting far in the west, where the sun plunges into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of ​​winter, darkness, death, night appears. The element of Hades is the earth, again taking its children to itself. However, the sprouts of new life lurk in her bosom.

The image of Lyra is a magical element. With it, Orpheus touches the hearts of both people and gods.

Reflection of myth in literature, painting and music

For the first time this myth is mentioned in the writings of Publius Ovid Nason, the largest "Metamorphoses" - a book that is his main work. In it, Ovid sets out about 250 myths about the transformations of the heroes and gods of ancient Greece.

The myth of Orpheus set forth by this author has attracted poets, composers and artists in all eras and times. Almost all of his subjects are represented in the paintings of Tiepolo, Rubens, Corot and others. Many operas were created based on this plot: "Orpheus" (1607, author - C. Monteverdi), "Orpheus in Hell" (operetta of 1858, written by J. Offenbach), "Orpheus" (1762, author - K.V. Glitch).

As for literature, in Europe in the 20-40s of the 20th century this topic was developed by J. Anouil, R. M. Rilke, P. J. Zhuv, I. Gol, A. Gide and others. At the beginning of the 20th century, in Russian poetry, the motifs of myth were reflected in the work of M. Tsvetaeva ("Phaedra") and in the work of O. Mandelstam.

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks. For the songs fell in love with his beauty ...

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.

No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.

For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:

Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:

Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. - I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld - Hades and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.

With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.

Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.

Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.

But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

Without breathing, Persephone listened to the song, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. Terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his shining sword.

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:

What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.

Orpheus said to Hades:

Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She has lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you!

Thus spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:

Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!

Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. - I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise...

Whatever you order! Orpheus exclaimed. - I'm ready for anything to see my Eurydice again!

You must not see her until you come out into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know that Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!

And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.

Orpheus quickly went to the exit from the realm of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed the country of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently carried them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.

Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating.

"Eurydice! Eurydice!

At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around.

Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him?

Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.

Where are you, Eurydice? Let me take a look at you! For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.

Immediately the shadow of Eurydice flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.

Eurydice?!

With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.

He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.

Orpheus and Eurydice / Ancient Greek myth for children
Artist: G. Kislyakova

1 slide

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

2 slide

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

3 slide

Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.

4 slide

5 slide

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

6 slide

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved. Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour. - No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!

7 slide

8 slide

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself. For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.

9 slide

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, just like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

10 slide

Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon: - Move me to the other side! But Charon refused: - I transfer only the dead to the other side. When you die, I will come for you! - Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. - I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

11 slide

The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.

12 slide

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld - Hades and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.

13 slide

14 slide

With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

15 slide

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court. Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs. Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.

16 slide

17 slide

Hades looked menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled. But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

18 slide

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked: - What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.

19 slide

Orpheus said to Hades: - Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She has lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you! So spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone: - Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!

20 slide

21 slide

Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. - I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise... - Anything you order! Orpheus exclaimed. - I'm ready for anything to see my Eurydice again! “You must not see her until you come out into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know that Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever! And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.

Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.

Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.

— No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.

For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.

Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, waiting, like him, for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.

Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:

- Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:

“Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

— Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld, Hades, and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.

With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.

Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.

Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.

But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

Without breathing, Persephone listened to the song, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. Terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his shining sword.

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:

- What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.

Orpheus said to Hades:

— Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She has lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you!

Thus spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:

“Intercede for me, beautiful queen!” You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!

- Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. “I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise...

- Anything you want! Orpheus exclaimed. - I'm ready for anything to see my Eurydice again!

“You must not see her until you come into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know: Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!

And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.

Orpheus quickly went to the exit from the realm of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed the country of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently carried them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.

Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating.

"Eurydice! Eurydice!

At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around.

Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him?

Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.

Where are you, Eurydice? Let me take a look at you! For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.

Immediately the shadow of Eurydice flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.

- Eurydice?

With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.

He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.

Hood. G. Kislyakova

Literature:
Smirnova V. // Heroes of Hellas, - M .: "Children's Literature", 1971 - p.103-109