The tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice - Brendan Pelsue

Check out our Patreon page: / teded
View full lesson: ed.ted.com/les...
The marriage of Orpheus, the greatest of all poets and musicians, to Eurydice, a wood nymph, was heralded as the perfect union. Anyone could tell the couple was deeply in love. So when their wedding ceremony ended in Eurydice's untimely death, Orpheus had no choice but to venture into the underworld to try to reclaim his lost love. Brendan Pelsue shares the tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Lesson by Brendan Pelsue, animation by Anton Bogaty.
Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Silas Schwarz, Fabio Peters, MJ Tan Mingjie, Yansong Li, Jason A Saslow, Michael Aquilina, Joanne Luce, Henry Li, Elias Wewel, Kyle Nguyen, Taylor Hunter, Noa Shore, Lex Azevedo, Merit Gamertsfelder, Bev Millar, Rishi Pasham, Jhuval , SookKwan Loong, Daniel Day, Nick Johnson, Bruno Pinho, Javier Aldavaz, Rodrigo Carballo, Marc Veale, Boytsov Ilya, Bozhidar Karaargirov, ilya bondarik, maxi kobi einy, Runarm , Misaki Sato, Peter Koebel, Levi Cook, Alex Kongkeo, Craig Sheldon, Andrew Bosco and Catherine Sverko.

[@TEDEd]

Thank you so much to everyone who has started supporting our mission on Patreon! You asked for more myths, and here they are! If you'd like to learn more about how to get involved, visit our Patreon page: bit.ly/2APSQow

[@yamiksus]

TED-Ed That was amazing

[@sachinsundaresann3406]

I've never heard a story like this before, very nice work.

[@blueissonice4566]

Thank god you guys are still making videos. I always learn so much from them, thank you!

[@Michael-xm4ux]

Do an episode on the story of Edipussy, Atapussy, Eatapussy. I don't know how to spell but you get the idea

[@MedatonOrtano]

Ah, I love this myth so much.

[@rosalie_m7305]

“Turning to look back at her as often as he likes” I love that

[@cosmix4460]

Moral:Kill snakes

[@Cleeon]

Love it

[@steampunkastronaut7081]

@Lara SCHROEDER Poor Charon is all loneliness in his eternal servitude.

[@ramonalzate]

@@steampunkastronaut7081 WELL tbh he always has company with all the dead people he has to take back I'm pretty sure hes heard everyone life story by now

[@ramonalzate]

@Lara SCHROEDER I didnt catch that thanks

[@dizzinessends]

I always like the version where Orpheus doesn’t turn around because of doubt, but because he takes one step out into the world and turns around too quickly to greet her in his joy. Just the heart-wrench of what face he must’ve made as she got sent back to the underworld OOO

[@nathan8750]

bruhhh that's even more tragic dammm why u like this one just curious lol

[@dizzinessends]

@@nathan8750 idk, it feels less like the fault of man as insecure and fearful and more like the fault of man as hopeful and naive... if you’re gonna be a Greek tragedy, might as well have bad things happen to hopeful people to really go full ham, right? I also like the lesson more of being precautious than of blinding trust/confidence. Either way, there’s no winning though ig...

[@giovannafernandes5562]

That version let the tragedy even worse, but somehow amazing lol luv it

[@nathan8750]

@@dizzinessends you just won me over that was a good argument I like that ending better now

[@dizzinessends]

@@nathan8750 :)

[@blob7800]

Every mythology story: *do the only freakin thing that they were not supposed to do*

[@aditithakur4692]

Mostly Greek

[@TheMarkSasuke64]

@@aditithakur4692 Garden of Eden as well.

[@hahahahs]

in real life i am supposed to study but don't .......

[@vishnu3196]

If they didn't it wouldn't be a mythological tale

[@aoikemono6414]

There's typically some moral or life lesson to explain why something is taboo. Or if it's Greek, typically just fun nonsense.

[@nizzletapewormlicker3350]

Ellen: so I hear you want your wife back Orpheus: omg u didn’t Eurydice: *walks onto stage* Orpheus: *turns around* Eurydice: *disappears*

[@lanyy_singzz1173]

This made me laugh 😂

[@Phoenix-iq8ei]

HSJEUSGEEH

[@toomanypolygons7129]

What about a brand new Toyota Corolla?

[@Emily-ox6yn]

That is is the best joke I have ever heard, big kudos

[@multistormhawks]

@@toomanypolygons7129 what about THREE TOYOTA COROLLAS!

[@crescent_foxx1014]

BOI SHE'S A GHOST OF COURSE YOU WOULDN'T HEAR HER FOOTSTEPS

[@litbopeep5726]

😆

[@firebird6136]

Sometimes emotions can block out reason. I’m still struggling with that problem.

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

A Ghost until she comes out of the Tartarus

[@pineapplecastella2584]

Hahaha exactly

[@justabitch4671]

Saguntum-Iberian-Greek Konstantinopoli yeah because her physical body is on earth

[@alexandrakotanidou2814]

Fun Fact: A different version of the myth says that when he lost Eurydice the second time, Orpheus completely avoided women and focused on playing his music even more. He was so good that the men warriors of the territory would leave their weapons and listen to his music, enchanted. But their wives grew jealous cause they felt like he was depriving them of their husbands and decided to run up and kill him. They actually attacked and cut him in pieces and threw the parts of his body in the river Evros. But somehow his head magically stayed alive and he continued singing for ever. I'm actually taking an exam in archeology and this is one of the stories that is depicted on an attic pottery piece that I'm studying and I got too excited so I decided to share😌

[@Marietonilamont]

Thank you for sharing, This myth is also portrayed in the film Portrait of a Lady on Fire which I suggest you watch, if not for fun. :)

[@hanami741]

there's also an Ovid's version where Orpheus starts liking young boys too much xDD

[@yuuji3795]

what a chad

[@allad7n]

Did you do well on the exam?

[@alexandrakotanidou2814]

@@allad7n yeah I scored 9/10 and I'm glad I passed it

[@mis_l5858]

Moral of the story: The people you love are always right behind you, even if you can’t sense them

[@danicorrea9334]

Just Misk wrong. The real moral is learn how to play the lyre

[@Midimist]

@@danicorrea9334 agree

[@SureshKumar-nk2ok]

@@danicorrea9334 how to play lyre in the moral story?

[@force3413]

Just misk, that's not the moral of the story lmao

[@mis_l5858]

Force is it to play the lyre?

[@romanimations7170]

There's another version of the story I believe where Eurydice fell and when Orpheus heard, he turned to help her. Which is far sadder, because it shows that he loved her so very much that his first instinct was to help.

[@snaketooth0943]

Interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@Xera.]

that's what I'd heard too

[@glowworm2]

I love how despite the bittersweet ending, this version ends on a happy note as Orpheaus is finally reunited with Eurydice after his own death.

[@Glace1221]

Spoiler alert

[@nahidbethehonoredone]

Yup, I can't really call it a tragic end

[@MegaMGstudios]

@@Glace1221 that's the risk you take if you read the comments before watching the video

[@glowworm2]

Brojak To be honest, this is a well known Greek myth. Also, most Greek myths tend to end tragically with a few rare exceptions.

[@rajababy2009]

which motivated people for suicide after breakup not a good end

[@shannonweiss7424]

"It's a sad song, but we sing it anyway. Cause, here's the thing: To know how it ends, and still begin to sing it again. As if it might turn out this time."

[@panwithoutaplan7559]

shannon w I learned that from a friend of mine

[@victorym744]

Lol I need therapy

[@goodjobeli]

noooooooooooo

[@micahmcjunkin4961]

I cried so hard

[@annarose932]

I really don't understand that reason, for why they sing it again. Its not a story that ends and begins just like a cycle. I want to kow what Anaïs meant by that.

[@tarrute]

Nobody: Snake: I’m about to ruin this mans whole career.

[@clayjohnson2618]

Underrated comment

[@lyn_n5]

fr lol

[@Hangmen13official]

Kept you waiting huh?

[@vish7963]

999th like!

[@dunkey759]

Ruin this man's marriage

[@kritrom]

OR He could just be talking to her as they climb. "Yo you there?" "Yea." "Kay cool."

[@yuuablewon]

He couldn’t hear her either 😞

[@operationstarwars]

he could just get a mirror and look behind him... they said don't turn back to look, nothing about using a mirror :P

[@koirvne]

@@operationstarwars Mirrors are expensive and most of the time, it's just polished metal...

[@jansen_music]

@@koirvne He is the son of Apollo so could afford it.

[@koirvne]

@@jansen_music Yeah... not really~ the only way I have ever read about mirrors (if you can call them that) in Greek myths is in Narcissus story and that Bronze shield thing

[@farexe1797]

Me: *about to cry after that beautiful story* Video: tED-ED IS A NON PROFIT ORGA-

[@gloriak87]

lmao, honestly :')

[@dolmaandralf3700]

So true 😹

[@eggmayonnaise325]

Yep. Way to kill the mood!

[@abhinayak1712]

Exactly 😂

[@arithemuffin9363]

Lol I saw this comment right as it said TED - ED IS A NON PROFIT

[@sheentheexplorer3859]

Eurydice is such a beautiful name

[@pershe4231]

Only if they pronounced it correctly lol

[@sheentheexplorer3859]

Error 303 good point hahaha

[@litbopeep5726]

It rrally is! Ive been SAYING it wrong my whole life! I thought it was "YER-UH-DICE" instead of "YER-ID-UH-SEAS".

[@Marilouwhatever]

The actual pronunciation in Greek though, would be like "He-vree-dhee-kee" 😉

[@bbyuparinkahitanongmangyar9030]

tangina pilipino

[@rory7993]

I literally heard the “la la la la la la la” from epic iii when the video said “and he began to sing”

[@joejoejoeil3165]

Hadestown!!!

[@anneliesemuttaqee821]

I love Hadestown 😄♥️♥️I just finished listening to the musical for the first time and I love it

[@Victoria-_]

YESSS! HADESTOWN 😂

[@Quromato]

I heard BABYBABYBABYBABY YEAH I thought told y'all to sit down or get down I'm about'a hit ground When I'm in the box, my hits way out of this bounds Nobody's topping me (You know it, damn right) Most of y'alls loving me (Doing it all night) Keeping my friends close, and my foes closer Things getting messy, but I never lift the nose up As I get older, see things slower My enemies looking like kids, and I'm the grown up (Forget it) I'm the next masterpiece made A new generation team, a wicked beast "ace" But I'm the mister nice guy See? I'm a wise guy Not a mafioso, but I hustle like Mike Lay low if you're feelin' me I take these beats, freaks go crazy with me So put 'em up in this base with me So shake with the man, L to the J's, now follow me Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Yeah! I thought told y'all to sit down or get down I'm about'a hit ground When I'm in the box, my hits way out of this bounds Nobody's topping me (You know it, damn right) Most of y'alls loving me (Doing it all night) Keeping my friends close, and my foes closer Things getting messy, but I never lift the nose up As I get older, see things slower My enemies looking like kids, and I'm the grown up (Forget it) I'm the next masterpiece made A new generation team, a wicked beast "ace" But I'm the mister nice guy See? I'm a wise guy Not a mafioso, but I hustle like Mike Lay low if you're feelin' me I take these beats, freaks go crazy with me So put 'em up in this base with me So shake with the man, L to the J's, now follow me Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Ooh yeah Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby Da-dada-dada, dada-dada Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Baby, baby, baby Yeah!

[@LOSERWITHACAUSE]

“Perhaps he makes a choice. He chooses the memory of her. That’s why he turns. He doesn’t make the lover’s choice, but the poet’s.” ― Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire

[@jisookim7347]

:(((

[@michaelscottoriginal]

Thank you. Someday, this line will haunt me in a beautiful way

[@olufemidavies2135]

This comment made me check out the film and I can’t thank you enough 🙏🏾

[@lalalazarus]

One of the greatest movies out there

[@isham1m1]

@@lalalazarus couldn't agree more. it's so underrated, but maybe i like it better that way.

[@billyk8397]

I say this about every video but the animation in this is amazing

[@Tsukiko.97]

My most favorite Ted ed animation is the " I'm bat man" video, but I digress.

[@shuk0rina444]

"please bring my gf back" "okay but don't turn around" "okay" **turns around** **she dies** *:O*

[@murkthreezero6984]

LMAOO

[@WestOfLee100]

Ghosted eh screw it, ima make myself a ghost so a moody blue hair kid can shoot himself.

[@pandablue6412]

Surprised pikachu face

[@Sahil-bb2qw]

gods were douchebags

[@lioubastoupakova3770]

Life is harsh ain’t it

[@coffin_qt]

Way down, Hadestown, way down under the ground.

[@njblackbird3148]

Lover tell me if your able whose gonna lay the wedding table? Times being what they are, hard and getting harder all the time...

[@sofie7949]

i was looking for this

[@ellacoleman4204]

WAIT FOR ME! IM COMIIIN! WAIT IM COMIN WITH YOU

[@jesm5698]

AIM FOR THE HEART SHOOT TO KILL IF YOU DON’T DO IT THEN THE OTHER ONE WILL

[@sockeye13]

Hey little songbird

[@arcticital]

hades: dont turn around Orpheus: *turns around anyways* Eurydice: *falls* Hades: _you weren't supposed to do that_

[@nyah5159]

**busts through door** WAAAAIT FOR ME IM COMIIIIN' **smashes face into table** WAAAIT I'M COMING WITH YOU **throws bookshelf** WAAAAIT FOR ME I'M COMIIIIN' TOO I'M *COMIN'* TOO

[@aleciawilliams3692]

Apollo Enjolras what is this dude plz tell me explain what that was u wrote

[@nyah5159]

It's a musical based on this myth called Hadestown. It's soooo good

[@aleciawilliams3692]

Apollo Enjolras ohhhhhhhhhh hey u seen my channel

[@esmedowns6146]

THE RIVER STYX IS HIGH AND WIDE OF CINDERBLOCKS AND RAZOR WIRE WALLS OF IRON AND CONCRETE

[@internetstranger5112]

HADESTOWN

[@twobroschillininahottub215]

I’m very interested in Greek and Roman mythology!! Please make more videos about it

[@irondemon1989]

Any Skywalker hmmm and what is it ? Ofc it is greek. Do some research at least before u comment.

[@musiccinme]

The myth is Greek, but Orpheus himself is Thracian. Maybe that's what she meant.

[@twobroschillininahottub215]

Any Skywalker I said that I’m INTERESTED in it

[@ChrisPPotatoIDC]

Read Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes. Orpheus is explained in it as one of them.

[@hemantakhatiwada874]

twobroschillininahottub i

[@trafalgarlaw152]

WAIT FOR ME I’M COMING TOO

[@user-ez4or2jy3f]

THIS CAME ON MY RECOMMENDED AND LIKE KZbin KNOWS I’M A THEATRE KID [well my watch history is all musicals so]

[@KISando]

WAAAIIT I"M COMING WITHHHH YOU!!

[@trafalgarlaw152]

Katie Jewelcrafter but there’s no turning back

[@KISando]

@@trafalgarlaw152 (stops singing) ... is that a joke about Eurydice?

[@snakeofeden6667]

I’m here because I want to go into mythological studies and not everyone is here because of Hadestown.

[@Ash-iu4qw]

Ok but can we talk about how beautiful of a love story this was-

[@realisticlazer]

bro i was just here for a school essay lmaooo

[@snaketooth0943]

@@realisticlazer was it on Greek mythology? I feel like that's probably the answer but people reference Greek mythology in other contexts a lot.

[@realisticlazer]

@@snaketooth0943 nah it was an essay about this specific story

[@snaketooth0943]

@@realisticlazer cool.

[@janehervilla7143]

WHY DID HE HAVE TO TURN AROUND

[@michaellewis2105]

Because he had trust issues.

[@juliawburn2352]

Hades is pretty tricky, ya never know with him

[@sinatraforeign]

Well Hades is the god of the underworld after all.

[@plaguedoctor2882]

Jane Hervilla It’s the thing about tragedies. It’s what makes them beautiful and heartbreaking. And everytime you just want them to please, don’t turn around, don’t go to Tebas, give Poseidon a proper sacrifice, don’t let the horse in, and so on.

[@giannacrisha7526]

RIGHT? I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE FRUSTRATED

[@chandniarun2595]

you guys are amazing ...this is art

[@berdgar]

its been art for a few thousand years....so yep

[@Tsukiko.97]

Curiosity killed the cat.

[@heroboystudios4684]

Abyssinia Empire but satisfaction brought it back

[@farhanahmed2508]

Abyssinia Empire No, Schrödinger did.

[@royalradish9412]

Doubt killed Orpheus, not curiosity

[@jmbec62]

Are you sure? Maybe someone should check

[@wesjales5578]

Curiosity made the cat a technological God.

[@raqueljardim5966]

I've read a version in which Eurydice did not 'suddenly' fall by the bite of a snake, but rather while running from a man in the woods that wanted to ask her for directions. She was terrified of Orpheus' jealousy towards other men (probably rooted in insecurity) and ran desperately, stepping on a snake and getting bitten. Orpheus's mistake when turning his head to see her was supposed to be a parallel with her death, showing that his insecurity had (once more) made him lose his wife.

[@KMervJr]

This just touched me deeply

[@Maria-sv2jo]

According to Virgil and many others, that man (Aristaeus) was actually trying to assault her, and while she was running away she didn't see a snake in the grass and it bit her. Also many others think that Orpheus actually turned to look at her on purpose, so he could have something more to sing about. Of course, I prefer the more romantic ones haha

[@No-soy-un-bizcocho]

There is also another version where it is said that Eurydice, when she danced happily at her wedding, accidentally stepped on the snake and that is why it bit her and that Orpheus failed to not look back because the evidence said that he could only look back when they were already outside the house. underworld so he only looked back when both were already out of the underworld but unfortunately one of Eurydice's feet was still in the underworld so they failed the test. Therefore, many believed that this was an opportunity for Orpheus to find the love of his life since it was believed that Orpheus failed the test because he did not really love Eurydice, but Orpheus proved that he did love her when the group of women called Maenads murdered him because This rejection, his love, Orpheus did not defend himself (even though he was very strong, having been an Argonaut, if he defended himself he would surely win) and he let himself die to be reunited with Eurydice.

[@amandapatterson1331]

A simple “Marco polo” would have done

[@lily-ib6hp]

Amanda Patterson i- hVHDJABAK

[@janellehale6686]

in hadestown the musical she's literally screaming at him

[@amandapatterson1331]

Janelle Hale I know😂 I’m a huge fan of the musical, Twas a joke 😂😂

[@julycingolani]

JAJAJA

[@calisophie3635]

Orpheus couldn’t hear her. Thats a part of the test

[@ClairandHerImaginaryCat]

The moral of the story: Ted-Ed is a non-profit

[@vaivs7903]

Hahahahhahaha

[@hi.241]

Lmao underratedddd

[@Jobe-13]

😂

[@IamJay]

Amazing animation. It makes you feel interested in watching the video.

[@EyeLean5280]

The drawings are lovely, indeed.

[@emeraldlair7262]

But the story is a lie in his words(he told the story wrong(well most of it )if you seen my comments(the ones saying three things wrong about the story and more(how he told it (most of it )))then you get it(if you actualy know the story)you realy will but you will get confused about this part of the comment)

[@kxyyd3n378]

The video: lets learn about the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurudice Hadestown fans: 👀

[@yc2877]

ME

[@BloodInTheStrawberries]

Hades players: "Farewell, to all the earthly remains-" 👀💋👀

[@emma-di5ly]

Sarah Ruhl fans🙋‍♀️

[@ruzspruce9984]

HELLO HELLO

[@Paws.of.Justice]

To be loved is divine To be sad is human .

[@DarkSlayerTK]

Thank you, that's beautiful, did you write that?or who's the owner of such wonderful phrase?

[@asdfgh123456978]

Omg this is so true. Beautiful

[@lavonnepeduca7270]

That's a nice set of words

[@recordstore2265]

Best quote

[@direhunter7045]

Weaver Bird hat's off my friend Hat's off

[@sr.l8366]

"... a place from wich no living creature had ever returned" *Laughs in greek*

[@thatrandomamazingperson4119]

Sr. L I have a pen! Laughs in Greek

[@ninjinistarsong3792]

Sr. L *laughs in percy jackson*

[@annandres8483]

Percy Jackson, Hercules, Orpheus and a few others are laughing

[@ashaagnihotri9657]

@@ninjinistarsong3792 same

[@kyawzeya9340]

Yup

[@RosyRosie42]

The real question is: Who is nOt here from Hadestown?

[@londongirl2768]

42RosyRosie I think this is in my recommendations because of Hadestown but I’m here because I like Greek myths so I don’t know really

[@kristhealayson4949]

I was, a year ago when this vid was released and then I discovered Hadestown haha 😅

[@wendy4324]

42RosyRosie I’ve never heard of it

[@rocketgarcia5245]

Me

[@coffeeandmilk5684]

haha im here for both hadestown and some good greek myths

[@jayceegarrido6724]

It’s an old song It's an old tale from way back when It's an old song And that is how it ends That’s how it goes Don't ask why, brother, don't ask how He could have come so close The song was written long ago And that is how it goes It's a sad song It's a sad tale It's a tragedy It's a sad song But we sing it anyway

[@Aneelalala]

Who wrote this?

[@superruff9000]

@@Aneelalala Anais Michell

[@sophiebarnes8717]

HADESTOWN YES PLS

[@Tra5h_boat6368]

@@Aneelalala it’s from the musical Hadestown. It takes this story and sets it in a depression era New Orleans jazz club type of setting

[@musicaltheatrefan4504]

Orpheus, don’t come on too strong- Orpheus: COME HOME WITH ME :D

[@mikeygilyard5508]

Who are you???

[@bryce4395]

@@mikeygilyard5508 the man that's gonna marry you =)

[@kelseysgalaxy953]

Оксана Миронян I’m Orpheus!

[@LadyMythos315]

His he always like this?

[@rubyrobinson8029]

Yes

[@wyrmur727]

If you guys are into music and this particular Greek mythology, I'm here to recommend a musical to you. It's called Hadestown and it's simply beautiful.

[@Firedust-mi3uk]

Hadestown is my favorite musical!

[@imaginat7856]

I'm late to the party, but hello fellow Hadestown fan!! :D

[@snakeoil2155]

yES

[@freilina6]

THE_NATE_PROJECT Wow. I can't thank you enough for this.

[@alexalson645]

🎶WAAAAAAAIIIIIIT for me, I'm COMIIIIIIIIIIING🎶

[@markherzog5494]

The beginning was sad when his wife died but then I'm filled with great happiness at the end when he says "sometimes, he takes the lead, turning to look back at her as often as he likes." Looking back at her as he was leaving the underworld was the reason why she couldn't leave, but now he look back at her beautiful face as much as he likes. :)

[@FireTiger941]

I know, I cry every time

[@cavinyeo815]

Fear not, best man Zagreus has made them reconciled again.

[@scarlettskipper9352]

Wait, really? How?

[@cavinyeo815]

@@scarlettskipper9352 oh I was actually referencing a recent game called "Hades", which the fictional character Zagreus (son of Hades) helps reunite the two. If you are interested, you can check out the game (one of the best game in 2020 too!) or just search it out on KZbin.

[@scarlettskipper9352]

@@cavinyeo815 Ah, okay. Thanks for info!

[@uria3679]

I reunited them 😊

[@luisrogelio98]

I see you are a gamer of culture as well

[@Irene-ji8gh]

I love the part where he says “it was as if Orpheus’ own loss and love allowed him to see into the hearts of Gods and people everywhere,” I felt that.

[@danielestrada2]

Beautiful words

[@xhappyponyxwasmyoldname1395]

They missed a very important detail about why Hades did it actually. When Orpheus comes into the palace, Hades cried “No more cheap minstrel tricks. I am a god. My rages are not to be assuaged, nor my decrees nullified. No one comes to Tartarus without being sent for. No one has before, and no one will again, when the tale is told of the torments I intend to put you to.” We all know he loved Persephone very much, and in the original myths, Orpheus actually “sang a song that conjured up a green field and a grove of trees and a slender girl painting flowers and all the light about her head, with the special clearness there was when the world had just begun. He sang of how that girl made a sight so pleasing as she played with the flowers that the birds overhead gossiped of it, and the miles underground- until the word reached even gloomy Tartarus, where a dark king heard and went up to see for himself. Orpheus sang of that king seeing the girl for the first time in a great wash of early sunlight, and what he felt when he saw that stalk-slender child in her tunic and green shoes moving with her paint pit among the flowers; the fever that ran in his blood when first he put his mighty arm about her waist, and drank her screams with his dark lips and tasted her tears; of the grief that had come upon him when he almost lost her again to her mother by Zeus’s decree; and of the joy that filled him when he learned that she had eaten of the pomegranate. Persephone was sitting at Hades’ side. She began to cry. She leaned forward and whispered to him swiftly. The king turned to Orpheus. Hades did not weep, but no one had ever seen his eyes so brilliant.” He doesn’t listen to Orpheus’s request because Orpheus asked him, nor because Orpheus moved him, but because of Persephone. This video is actually pretty far from the original myths, but that’s alright, it’s art.

[@xhappyponyxwasmyoldname1395]

ohh, alsooo because the Erinyes (Furies) beg Hades to let her go since they are also moved

[@dmrg345]

i am not sure..about what your story but enyways

[@KarishmaChanglani]

"original tale" I am pretty sure that there at least 20000 versions of this story since mythology gets twisted with time and there are no more "true myths" anymore.

[@TheMsLollidella]

Theres probably many different versions , this being one of them, but it would make sense. Hades loved persephone so her asking him and him listening would be normal

[@ikawangtanan]

I think this version was made for children. This one is so light that one would assume it's a fairytale. Greek mythology is always dark and heavy.

[@lydiah8101]

In the version of this story that my mother always told me, Orpheus resists temptation to look back all the way up to the world of the living. However, upon stepping out into the light, he turns around to see Eurydice, only to realise that SHE has NOT finished the climb yet, having been a few steps behind him. So she is thrown back to Hades. A small difference, but I've always preferred it because it strengthens the tragedy of the story, and that even though Orpheus did all as he had been instructed, there was no possibility for bringing the dead back.

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

@Idk what my name should be, okay So Apollo prevented his daughter?

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

@Idk what my name should be, okay I meant that Apollo never wanted his daughter, Eurydice married to another man. A typical overprotective parent would do what Apollo did.

[@xxx_jim_the_reaper_xxx]

@Hail Yes, so that she could become the goddess.

[@r_s7540]

I played the part of Eurydice in a school play! This is by far one of my favourite love stories. Good job TED-Ed for telling this story the way it is :)

[@ruzspruce9984]

was this play hadestown

[@r_s7540]

@@ruzspruce9984 It was actually The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza the play itself is a humorous version of Greek myths, but in order to play the role of eurydice well, I did lots of research on the story

[@ruzspruce9984]

@@r_s7540 i see, congrats to you by the way!

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

I played one of the chorus in 'Eurydice' by Sarah Ruhl! Yeah, it is a great love story-which is why it has been retold for thousands of years!

[@cranesolacehilbero9687]

One of the most iconic couple i've ever read.

[@liezelanne777]

lol Namjoon 😂😂😂

[@erynnegriffin5219]

Maybe you should not read Antigone...

[@---kj5ig]

Crane Solace Hilbero RM

[@lindayantilindayanti2585]

What about Hades and Persephone? Their love story was beautiful

[@montaabigailbeatriceg.5564]

+Jasmine Fantasy yeah, being basically imprisoned in hades' realm is goals haha. she wanted to get out, remember? but she ate the pomegranate seeds so she had to stay till mum n hades had an agreement

[@HajiIe]

At the end Charon was like “Those two love birds again, get a room you too”

[@Jobe-13]

Elijah Alcoba *two

[@cheonsalee5118]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@seonunlee2599]

I laughed so hard at this XD

[@theocean1973]

"...sometimes, he takes the lead, turning to look back at her, as often as he likes." What, I'm not crying! YOU'RE crying!

[@packman852]

Good riddance To all the thieves To all the fools that stifled me They’ve come and gone And passed me by Good riddance To all

[@DrSalad-ye6hr]

Hades is amazing. SUPERGIANT knocked it out of the park yet again.

[@axew3127]

Hello

[@DrSalad-ye6hr]

@@axew3127 Howdy

[@LadyAhro]

I hoped that someone had posted the lyrics

[@sleepycrow3849]

Hi, hon ! wat's up ?

[@prosperouspudding7409]

" 'Til death do us apart ", but in here, death brought them together. That's quite beautiful.

[@lflores.]

I recently watched a movie called Portrait of a Lady on Fire and at one point they read this story and then they try to get the meaning behind it. One of them said that Orpheus should have trusted more and shouldn’t have looked back even in temptation. The other said that maybe Orpheus meant to look back not because of love but because of poetry. And the other said that maybe it was Eurydice who told Orpheus to turn around...it was something like that, I don’t exactly remember how they said it lol but it left me thinking a lot and then the end of the movie came and I cried waterfalls this time:’(

[@anaantonijevic8304]

AND TURN AROUND when Marianne was leaving

[@MadisynTerrell]

Ana Antonijevic ugh ik that part was perfect

[@jahnavipadsala6949]

even at the end , it seems that marianne could run to heloise at the theatre , she instead chose the memory of her and made ' the peot's choice , not the lover's . ' ... agree ??

[@anaantonijevic8304]

@@jahnavipadsala6949 definitelyyy

[@pragyapriya1768]

He made the poet's choice, not the lover's. :) And oh, "Turn around." That moment from the movie will never escape my heart.

[@coachmcguirk6297]

Poor Persephone. All she did was eat a pomegranate seed.

[@MochYee]

*6 pomegranate seeds. Or one-third of a pomegranate, depending on the version. But yeah, poor Persephone. (Unless you prefer the more modern interpretations, like me, where she did eventually fall in love with Hades)

[@khatabalrawi158]

Persephone did fall in love with Hades in most of the stories of mythology No need to feel sorry

[@masodemic4509]

In most version of the myth, Persephone did fall in love with Hades and their relationship was really chill

[@thalassous]

And Hades, no matter how Disney tries will always be a decent guy with a sucky job.

[@vanceadrianeangayan4127]

anyone else thinking of the teacher yelling "NO POMEGRANATES! NO NO NO NO POMEGRANATES!" Only me? okay..

[@bringmethatcoffee5235]

I love one of the morals of the story: a lot of things are like his walk out of the Underworld. If you turn around right before the end it is all for naught. Like, for example, marriage. If you start to do what YOU want simply bc YOU want to do that, you risk to lose everything.

[@miraculousmisery772]

I'm crying right now. I read about him and his tragedy in the book of a writer and wept at that time. Now I'm watching this and I wept again. 😢

[@californiacornflakes]

Sherlock Holmes which book? :)

[@saujanyaroy4942]

Percy Jackson series

[@miraculousmisery772]

california cornflakes it's the book of a Bengali writer...??? Yes. A bengali writer.

[@SoumOrg]

Sherlock Holmes how did you knew that he's Bengali?

[@jeromebacani9471]

Silly sherlock. You are a sociopath.. You cant feel emotions.

[@CharlieBoyyy696]

IM COMING WAIT FOR ME I HEAR THE WALLS REPEATING THE FALLING OF OUR FEET, IT SOUNDS LIKE DRUMMING AND WE ARE NOT ALONE I HEAR THE ROCKS AND STONE ECHOING OUR SONG IM COMING

[@valeriazavalza4123]

All rise for the national anthem

[@HiraShaibalReal]

@@valeriazavalza4123 😅

[@juliaholzschuher]

“Oh a liar AND a player too! I’ve met too many men like you”

[@saphiralucifera2366]

Oh no I'm not like that

[@joRA848]

Jillian Eyre he’s not like any man you’ve meet. Tell her what you’re working on

[@bilnik6593]

It isn't finished yet

[@bwayagnesarchives]

@@bilnik6593 but when it's done, and when I sing it, Spring wil come again

[@rahul0000nm]

@@bwayagnesarchives and the sun will shine and the Godesses will dance

[@avalavecchia3255]

heres some time stamps for kids doing schoolwork to this. 0:12 Orpheus and Eurydice who they are / what they are 0:22 Eurydice death 0:40 Orpheus decision 0:55 Cerberus ( Three headed dog ) 1:03 Charon 1:15 Hades And Persephone

[@veiledprincessw]

You're a life saver!

[@captlanc]

This is a 4-minute video. Why are we dumbing down children?

[@amandac9894]

Persephone and Hades next?

[@chaostade4087]

i think there is that video...

[@hagrid1123]

Whats your profile pic

[@naomi6091]

@@chaostade4087 No, there isn't

[@ellelau3424]

Whenever the story mentions Orpheus singing, the singer In the background sounds really beautiful. I enjoy it a lot 🥺

[@warrenkeystone5195]

who is the singer in this?

[@ellelau3424]

@@warrenkeystone5195 I actually don’t know 😳

[@itsthemaggieshow]

lalalalala la laaaaa

[@adrianaalves6655]

Now I understand 'Wait for Me' a lot better!

[@jamesfoster5458]

Hades players where you at?

[@leoryzap]

we are here

[@LadyAhro]

Yo

[@vrndavanbennie4103]

Ello

[@KingPharaoh405]

Right here 🙏🏽

[@bigyoshi9263]

I was surprised not to see a comment like this further up

[@thecomrade1349]

Still a better love story than twilight

[@firebow2810]

DAT BOI ROY that's usually the kind of thing you say when people hate each other like Harry and Voldemort

[@bigboy6191]

Still?

[@zub4516]

A WAYYYY better story than twilight....

[@norielleponollera6434]

It IS MUCH BETTER

[@user-tf7zh1nw2z]

Everything is

[@DerpySquiddles4043]

'wild women' that really made me laugh

[@SarahJohnson-gd1nz]

'WiLd wOmEn' LOL

[@alikis88]

He should've held Eurydice's hand when they walked out of the underworld. That way he would've known that she was behind him.

[@BaboFighting]

He wasn't allowed to hold her though..it was another condition hades gave him

[@firstcanonkill1767]

@@BaboFighting he wasn't allowed to touch to, look at, talk to or even make a noise that she could return to prove she was there.

[@sometimessnarky1642]

@Hunter Velinov all he had to do was follow the directions. It isn't Hades being cruel when Orpheus turned to look back. (Now whoever sent the snake to bite her in the first place is a different story.)

[@nicolephilippot6672]

I read a couple lines of “A thousand ships” and somehow made the connection from this story to the movie “The book of life” . I’m so proud of myself!! I never even heard about it either

[@ruzspruce9984]

EYO!!

[@cecefernandes5657]

Hadestown the musical. You're welcome.

[@zsuzsaw]

Top 10 anime deaths

[@chantelb142]

Amberwish I understand

[@imsad1134]

I understand on a spiritual level

[@yohello4203]

Thats right

[@Deademall]

Oof

[@jadenyerex5866]

@@chantelb142 itachi uchiha

[@fayesirico9455]

4:22 that’s so freaking wholesome I love them sm 🥺💝💖💗💕

[@giantyam]

who else just freaking loves history? especially greek mythology

[@suugarush2555]

Eurydice Schuyler after I discovered Percy jackson

[@Jobe-13]

Ikr

[@annalina8161]

OMG YesS

[@vivinyopagodna]

Meeee

[@Danixo02]

Eurydice Schuyler me!!

[@sheikahchick9861]

Got into this tale because of the musical Hadestown.

[@snakeofeden6667]

Praise_the_yaoi I’m here because I want to go into mythological studies and not everyone is here because of Hadestown.

[@mewingmanda]

DreamersCosplay congrats. you want a medal or something?

[@nathalybabushka5564]

DreamersCosplay ok?

[@ruzspruce9984]

got into hadestown because of this tale

[@rhythmictiger]

The forgot the bit where Eurydice was like "we were so close and you turn around when I have the farthest to fall? Don't think you're not sleeping on the couch tonight"

[@somebdy1173]

That freaking background music though it was sooooooo good you can't even disagree!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cameronbrown7796]

What if Hades and Persephone knew that Orpheus would look back, yet also knew that the Maenads jealous of such a man never loving them, would return Orpheus to Eurydices by returning him to the underworld? This would give the underworld a small speck of color and beauty in an otherwise sea of grey. Judging by how moved they were from his love for her? It would have pleased them to have him within the Underworld. Knowing that by doing this, it wouldn't violate the natural order of death, and would return him to his one true love at the same time. What if by doing this, the Gods granted him exactly what he wanted: To spend eternity with the love of his life, as I doubt he'd care where he was, as long as he was with her, and she with him. Plus, the underworld gets to see happiness in an otherwise unhappy place. Sure, it's mythology but that's how I like to think of it. I'm a sucker for happy endings.

[@lawendabonawenturazimorode6850]

That's a great approach.

[@radityakevin6352]

Hades is actually the nicest of all gods fundementally speaking

[@madmanarrivednow]

@@radityakevin6352 Except for the kidnapping stuff, but yeah. Both of his brothers have done more messed up things.

[@madmanarrivednow]

@@darrellestabillo2576 sorry, was not disrespecting your previous comment, just saying. Also, as I previously wrote it. Poseidon and Zeus did some messed up stuff, that was way worse. Even if it seemed like that, I was agreeing with you.

[@aditisharma6990]

A very positive approach ! Never would have thought of this ! Thank you ☺

[@HoganWangtoLearn]

It's TED-Ed! Why are there tears in my eyes?

[@johncyruspangan1460]

Once upon a time on a railroad track~

[@greatvalue_ethelcain]

Boaster Roaster Don’t ask why, brother, don’t ask when

[@BambinaSaldana]

1:12 Charon: Dang bro that's a banger. Need a ride?

[@mihi_1]

1:00 - Harry Potter 1:06 Percy Jackson This what these scenes first reminded me of

[@k92129001]

Mihika Agarwal good job

[@cincin366]

Same😂

[@lasigna0212]

The Underworld scenes reminded me of The Lord of the Rings

[@abigailgracie]

WHO’S HERE BECAUSE OF HADESTOWN???

[@actingislife100]

abigail gracie ME

[@becca2647]

ME

[@gracehod08]

Lol me

[@evelynu.5838]

I believe we all are. :)

[@tatiana2133]

What's hadestown?

[@davidbuschhorn6539]

With that kind of grief, I'm sure Orpheus' last thought as the women killed him was, "Finally... I'll see Eurydice in a moment." He would have been looking forward to it. "Kill me faster please. I haven't wished to live for years."

[@Sinklair8]

I think he would have probably ended up in a different part of the underworld for having killed himself or something. (Take that with a grain of salt though.)

[@davidbuschhorn6539]

LOL!!!!!

[@icedragon627]

Geminisign123 no im pretty sure youre right

[@samanthasimpson4484]

Philia Z, when he tried to, the things he was using to kill himself wouldn't let him. Like if he tried to jump off a cliff, the wind would carry him away safely.

[@magicalmilimi894]

Love how Hades, the video game, presented their story

[@caitlinaronoff3836]

Everyone here is a Hadestown Stan. As they should be. Also just wanna day that they’re gonna win Tony’s for best lighting design, best score, and best director FOR SURE, and maybe a few others as well.

[@amyelkins6096]

They just won everything tonight! The show is gonna raise all prices so no going for me 😂

[@hiddensheepy8736]

Amy Elkins Well, technically they won 8 Tony's out of the 14 they were nominated for.

[@amyelkins6096]

Yeah I was exaggerating but Hamiltons prices as well were raised after they won, so I don't expect myself to afford going to this one, even tho I would love too!

[@keegan6448]

hadestown is a good show but Beetlejuice 100% deserved to win for lighting and set design. they changed the ENTIRE SET 3 times. they have a literal SNAKE on stage. the tonys just hates comedies for no reason

[@Coaching-is3pz]

Not everyone. I never heard of it before reading the comments section.

[@chromefox8347]

Thank you for promoting the mythology of my ancestors in such a beautiful way. Σας ευχαριστώ!

[@lilac392]

when you cry over myths.....

[@FallingStary]

Gabrielle peple cry about fake hallmart movies all the time

[@vukraznatovic3968]

thought it was just me

[@joshmcfarland23]

Yup

[@Niqhtmusic]

Me: mom, I want to watch hadestown! Mom: we have hadestown at home! Me: sounds good! **after watching ** *us crying *

[@carov2782]

It's a tale of a love that never dies...

[@ishanjain922]

Everyone: HADESTOWN!!! AAH. Anyone here from HADESTOWN. Me: * *expecting to see PJO fans* * confused screaming

[@jewelled_]

I'M WITH YOU MY FRIEND

[@riversbend9783]

I’m both?

[@drrach1]

I m with you

[@artbyriya.]

Same bruh

[@saltNpepper952]

I AM HERE

[@itssofiee4631]

Orpheus: *turns around* Me: damn, Orpheus u got trust issues *continues to eat popcorn*....

[@danoneall4013]

Orpheus is a typical dude Couldn't follow simple directions

[@apophisxo4480]

I know right....Just like Adam and that ridiculous apple! Come on guys!

[@kokidramdan9741]

you've won the comment section dude, lol

[@49automedon]

Replace Orpheus with me, and Eurydice with food, and you have my life

[@danoneall4013]

+SuperSwagSenpai - I can relate.... Substitute Hershey chocolate or chocolate truffles from Costco or Sam's Club & I'm not looking back for ish!!

[@danoneall4013]

+Ratri - ouch my man

[@abdullahmapari212]

*Better love story than Twilight*

[@dellsantiago8108]

I knew someone will response this

[@s3cr3tpassword]

Two toothbrushes in a cup in your bathroom is a better love story than twilight.

[@TauGeneration]

i was looking for that comment

[@deeRay7292]

those dank skank 2008, 10 year old memes

[@thesleepyone7432]

Anime Superhero sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ture

[@bananaseeds6447]

dafuq is hadestown? edit: nvm all i've ever known is stuck in my head now

[@ilincaapostol9284]

banana seeds this comment deserves more likes

[@macattac716]

I’ve been alone so long I didn’t even know that I was lonely. Out in the cold so long; I didn’t even know that I was cold🎶

[@-zuzur0ll712]

WAIIITTT FOR ME I'M C O M I N G

[@qing6306]

HAHAHAHAHA AS U SHOULD

[@hannahdawg6829]

Some also say that Orpheus plays his lyre in the court of Lord Hades, entertaining the Stygian Lord of the Underworld for all eternity.

[@johndoe5432]

Indeed, it is also rumored that Eurydice will lend the wayward young God Zagreus aid in his attempts to depart the Underworld. 😏

[@hannahdawg6829]

@@johndoe5432 perhaps the young lord will also bring him and his love back together

[@joelhaggis5054]

"He decided to journey to the land of the dead..." Same.

[@Teaaa12]

Joel Haggis Relatable. 😂

[@sleep5403]

OH MY GOD NOW I KNOW WHY WHEN EURYDICE WAS SINGING IN DOUBT COMES IN ORPHEUS DIDN'T ANSWER

[@JAND4LISMS]

"i am thou and thou art I. From the sea of thy soul I come..."

[@sebshifter]

He spent the rest of his day singing beautiful love songs Orpheus : Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby

[@JAND4LISMS]

@@sebshifter YEAAAAAAAAH

[@ayushmishra3758]

@@sebshifter thought you always be mine mine Snake : no

[@randomgamer6352]

Everyone talking about Hadestown while I get this recommended again because I was listening to Good Riddance too much.

[@danialbrecht2982]

WAAAAYYYY DOWN HADES TOWN way DOWN UNDER THE GROUUUUND

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

In the coldest time of year Why is it so hot down here? Hotter than a crucible It ain't right and it ain't natural

[@Delie4]

*tRuMpEtS pLaY*

[@kelseysgalaxy953]

*LIFE AINT EASY LIFE AINT FAIR*

[@LadyMythos315]

WAIT FOR ME IM COMING WAIT FOR ME I HEAR THE WALLS REPEATING THE FALLING OF MY FEET AND IT SOUNDS LIKE DRUMMING AND IM NOT ALONE I HEAR THE ROCKS AND STONES ECHOING MY SONG IM COMING

[@k.howard6937]

Hadestown fans where you at?

[@saphiralucifera2366]

Chugga chugga chugga chugga chugga chugga

[@katrealz]

*vroom vroom* _I’m here_

[@littlesongbird7881]

WAY DOWN TO HADESTOWN WAY DOWN UNDER THE GROUND

[@sonofharryh6045]

Hey Little Songbird

[@alicebergonzi3802]

Come on, green thang

[@tomasspace4819]

Fairly tales used to be metal AF.

[@alienalchemist]

The good old days

[@giannalopez1343]

Angelo Igonia Yes the good ole days when the fairytales where bad*ss

[@taide4122]

Erm...Those are ancient Greeks beliefs.

[@terrabyte3881]

Everyone: from hadestown Me, expecting, PJO, Hades, and Persona fans: BrUh

[@matthewfinis6723]

Playing the harp to Cerberus remind anyone else of Quirrel playing the harp to fluffy in Harry Potter???

[@thaym.5822]

Matthew Finis yes yes yes

[@layasreekumar9638]

that's all I could think of! Rowling did her research.

[@nikki._.337]

Yep

[@jesm5698]

Yᑌᑭ

[@meilamanna291]

Matthew Finis YESSSSSSSSS 5 degrees of recognising Harry Potter:😐🙂☺🤗😆