Myths and music

Orpheus in the underworld 1 Orpheus could make beautiful music. He was in love with Eurydice, but she got bitten by a snake and died. Orpheus was miserable. He went down to the underworld, playing his music as skillfully as he could, mezmerising the guards.

Orpheus in the underworld 2 Moved by his music, Hades told him to go back, promising to send Eurydice after him. The only condition was that Orpheus not look back on his way up. When Orpheus had almost reached the light, he turned around. He saw Eurydice's shadow dissolve behind him.

Orpheus in the underworld 3 Orpheus tried to go back to the underworld, but he couldn’t get in. So, Orpheus started wandering around the world, playing his harmonious music, until he was murdered, and he went to the underworld to be with his Eurydice.

Apollo and Pan 1 Apollo, the son of Zeus and Leto, is the god of music, playing a golden lyre. Pan challenged Apollo to a musical contest. Pan blew on his pipes, and was just as pleased with himself as his great follower Midas.

Apollo and Pan 2 Then Apollo struck the strings of his lyre. Apollo was deemed to be the winner of the contest. But Midas did not agree with the judgment. In punishment, Apollo gave him donkey’s ears.

Apollo and Marsyas 1 Marsyas was a satyr who challenged Apollo to a contest of music. He had found a flute on the ground, tossed away after being invented by Athena because it made her cheeks puffy. Marsyas lost and was flayed alive in a cave. His blood turned into the river Marsyas.

Apollo and Marsyas 2 Another variation is that Apollo played his instrument (the lyre) upside down. Marsyas could not do this with his instrument (the flute), and so Apollo hung him from a tree and flayed him alive.