Famous Love Stories: Orpheus and Eurydice

What's your favourite love story? Tales of love and romance connect us, give us dreams of a brighter future, and help let our fantasies wander. Here's the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, inspired by our Golden Heart Earrings.

This story is one of the more tragic ones in Greek mythology, but also shows just how dedicated people can be to one another. Orpheus, a talented musician who was married to the beautiful Eurydice. Their love was famous throughout the land, their dedication unwavering.

Unfortunately, it was cut short after Eurydice passed away from a venomous snake bite, sending her soul to the Underworld. Unable to forget about his true love, Orpheus travelled down to the Underworld, a dangerous mission no mortal had survived before.

He charmed Charon, the ferryman to let him cross. He played his beautiful music for Cerberus, the three-headed dog, that lulled it into a deep sleep. He then met Persephone, queen of the Underworld, who was so inspired by his love she convinced her husband Hades to give Orpheus a chance. Hades made a deal: Orpheus could leave the Underworld with Eurydice on one condition; he could not look back to see if she was still behind him, to test his faith in her.

While the fated couple travelled back home, Orpheus couldn't resist and looked back to his wife, and she was taken back to the Underworld, never to be seen again. Orpheus died of a broken heart later, and hopefully he was reunited with his love somewhere deep in the spirit realm. 

What's your favourite love story? Let us know in the comments below!