“What on earth can you do on this earth but catch at whatever comes near you, with both your fingers, until your fingers are broken?”- Tennessee Williams
The Tale
In the ancient forests of Thrace, there lived a musician named Orpheus, whose songs were so beautiful they could charm the trees, the rivers, and even the gods. He fell deeply in love with Eurydice, a nymph of the woods, and she loved him back. They married quickly, under the watchful eyes of the forest spirits.
But their happiness was short-lived. One day, while wandering through a forest, Eurydice was bitten by a venomous snake and died. Heartbroken, Orpheus could not bear to live without her. Armed with only his lyre, he descended into the Underworld to plead with Hades, the god of the dead, for her return.
Orpheus’ music was so moving that he swayed death itself to let Eurydice return to the land of the living on one condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until they had both reached the surface.
Orpheus led Eurydice through the dark tunnels of the Underworld, his heart pounding with hope. But as they neared the surface, doubt set in. Was she really following him? Could Orpheus trust the gods? Unable to resist, Orpheus turned to look Eurydice- and in that moment, she vanished, lost to him forever.
The Lesson
The tale of Orpheus and Eurydice is a story of love’s power and its limits. It reminds us that even the strongest bonds can be fragile, and that trust and faith are as important as passion. It also speaks to the thin veil between life and death, and the delicate nature of that balance.
A Ritual for Remembering Lost Love
To honour the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, meditate on it with this simple ritual.
- Gather your tools: A candle, a piece of music (or an instrument, if you play one), and a quiet space.
- Set your intention: Light the candle and take a moment to reflect on a lost love, or a person you wish to honour.
- Play or listed to music: Choose something that speaks to your heart. As you listen, visualise the thread that binds you to the one you have lost.
- Speak their name: Whisper the name of the person you are honouring and remind yourself that those you love never truly leave you.
- Give thanks: Extinguish the candle and thank the spirits for their presence and guidance.
Reflections on Myth
I think of Orpheus as I wander the woods. His story is one of love so fierce it defies death, yet so fragile it can be shattered by a single moment of doubt. I wonder if I would have the courage to descend into the unknown for the one I love. Would I trust the path ahead, even when I cannot see what lies behind me?
There is a part of me that understands Orpheus’ longing, his desperation. The forest whispers of loss and reunion, of threads that bind us even when they seem to fray. I feel those threads now, tugging at my heart, pulling me towards something I cannot yet name.
The forest holds many stories, but the greatest of them is the story of love. As I walk these paths, I feel the echoes of Orpheus’ song, a reminder that love is both a journey and a destination.
Ivy Reid 