Orpheus

Orpheus (Greek: Ὀρφεύς, Orpheús; Latin: Orpheus; Hebrew: אורפיאוס, Orfaius) is a legendary musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek mythology and religion. He is best known for his role as a pioneer of music and his attempt to retrieve his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld. Orpheus' lyre playing and singing were so beautiful that they could charm all living things and even stones. His abilities were said to have been granted by the god Apollo, who was also his father in some versions of the myth. The name "Orpheus" is derived from the ancient Greek word ὄρφνη (órphnē), meaning "darkness," reflecting his connection to the underworld. In Roman mythology, Orpheus is often associated with the god Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek), and his cult was known for its ecstatic rituals and mysticism. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice has been a popular subject in art, literature, and music throughout history, symbolizing the power of love and the struggle between life and death.