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In Greek [[mythology]], '''Orpheus''' was the greatest of all mortal [[musician]]s and [[poet]]s. He was the son of a mortal father and the [[muse]] Calliope<ref name="ib">[http://www.hermetic.com/sabazius/orpheus.htm The Invisible Basilica]</ref>, making him a [[demi-god]], but while most demi-gods were renowned for their great strength or courage, Orpheus inherited preternatural [[music]]al abilities from his mother. He was a master of the [[lyre]]. Tales of Orpheus' feats often revolve around his ability to charm even the most ferocious beast with his entrancing musical gifts.

In Greek [[mythology]], '''Orpheus''' was the greatest of all mortal [[musician]]s and [[poet]]s. He was the son of a mortal father and the [[muse]] Calliope,<ref name="ib">[http://www.hermetic.com/sabazius/orpheus.htm The Invisible Basilica]</ref> making him a [[demi-god]], but while most demi-gods were renowned for their great strength or courage, Orpheus inherited preternatural [[music]]al abilities from his mother. He was a master of the [[lyre]]. Tales of Orpheus' feats often revolve around his ability to charm even the most ferocious beast with his entrancing musical gifts.

Orpheus features in several myths, including the story of [[Jason]] and the Argonauts<ref name="ib"/>. One of the most famous concerns the death of his wife Eurydice: after she died, he ventured into [[Hades]] (charming [[Cerberus]] with a soothing tune in order to gain access) and persuaded the god of the [[underworld]] to release her on the condition that he not turn and look back during his journey home. He was unable to resist doing so, and Eurydice was duly taken back unto the realm of the dead<ref>[http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Haides.html theoi.com]</ref>. Eurydice's fate could be compared to that of [[Lot]]'s wife in Genesis 19:26.

Orpheus features in several myths, including the story of [[Jason]] and the Argonauts.<ref name="ib"/> One of the most famous concerns the death of his wife Eurydice: after she died, he ventured into [[Hades]] (charming [[Cerberus]] with a soothing tune in order to gain access) and persuaded the god of the [[underworld]] to release her on the condition that he not turn and look back during his journey home. He was unable to resist doing so, and Eurydice was duly taken back unto the realm of the dead.<ref>[http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Haides.html theoi.com]</ref> Eurydice's fate could be compared to that of [[Lot]]'s wife in Genesis 19:26.

The love story between Orpheus and Eurydice is unusually tender for classical mythology, and has provided the inspiration for numerous other works, notably [[Monteverdi]]'s [[opera]] "''l'Orfeo''",  [[Gluck]]'s “''Orfeo ed Euridice''” and [[Offenbach]]'s comic opera "''Orpheus in the Underworld''", all of which give the tale a happy ending.

The love story between Orpheus and Eurydice is unusually tender for classical mythology, and has provided the inspiration for numerous other works, notably [[Monteverdi]]'s [[opera]] "''l'Orfeo''",  [[Gluck]]'s “''Orfeo ed Euridice''” and [[Offenbach]]'s comic opera "''Orpheus in the Underworld''", all of which give the tale a happy ending.