Who was Orpheus in Greek mythology?
Orpheus was a legendary musician, poet, and prophet from ancient Greece. He is described as the son of Oeagrus, a Thracian king, and Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry.
Questions about Orpheus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Orpheus live according to historical sources?
Most ancient writers believed he lived several generations before Homer. The earliest literary reference appears in a fragment from the 6th-century BC lyric poet Ibycus.
Where was Orpheus born or where did he live?
Strabo places him in a village called Pimpleia near Mount Olympus. Some accounts state his grave lies in Pieria while others place it in Dion near Pydna in Macedon.
Why did the Maenads kill Orpheus at the end of his life?
Thracian Maenads tore him to shreds for failing to honor Dionysus previously. This occurred after he disdained all gods except Apollo near the end of his life.
What happened to Eurydice when she died?
Ovid describes her death occurring while dancing with naiads on her wedding day. Virgil introduces Aristaeus as the figure chasing Eurydice when she was bitten by a serpent.