Myths and musicMyths and music

Orpheus in the underworld 1Orpheus 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 2Orpheus 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 3Orpheus 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 1Apollo 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 2Apollo 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 1Apollo 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 2Apollo 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.