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Orpheus
Orpheus is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, most famous for his virtuoso ability in playing the lyre or kithara. His music could charm the wild animals of the forest, and even streams would pause and trees bend a little closer to hear...
Image
Orpheus
A detail from an Apulian red-figure bell krater by the Pronomos Painter. First quarter of the 4th century BCE. Depicted is Orpheus in Thracian dress defending himself against Maenads(?). (Taranto, Museo Nazionale Archeologico, temporary loan...
Image
House of Orpheus, Volubilis
The House of Orpheus at Volubilis (in modern-day Morocco) takes its name from the large mosaic depicting Orpheus playing the lyre to an audience of animals and birds. The mosaic embellished the house's triclinium (dining room), where the...
Image
Orpheus in Hades
Orpheus in Hades, 1897, by Pierre Marcel-Beronneau. Oil on Canvas.
Located at Collection du Musée des Beaux-Arts, Marseille
Definition
Zagreus
In ancient Greek mythology, Zagreus is a god closely associated with the wine god Dionysus, the underworld, and hunting. A son of Zeus and Persephone, he is known in the Orphic tradition as the first incarnation of Dionysus, whilst other...
Video
The Tragic Tale of Orpheus and Eurydice
Orpheus is a famous figure from Greek mythology, well known both for his talents with the lyre and kithara, and the tragic tale of his wife, the wood nymph Eurydice. His musical talents could charm wild animals, it could stop streams and...
Definition
Calliope
Calliope (also spelt Kalliope) is the Muse of epic poetry and heroic song in Greek mythology. She is considered the leader of the Muses and the most honoured of them all. She is often represented in art with a tablet on her knee and a stylus...
Article
Mythological Re-Enactments in Ancient Roman Spectacle
To this day the ancient Romans remain infamous for their dramatic use of spectacle and other forms of entertainment. A lesser known variation of Roman spectacle is the mythological re-enactments that took place during the ludi meridiani (midday...
Definition
Cerberus
Cerberus (also spelt Kerberos) is a vicious three-headed dog in Greek mythology, who guards the entrance to the underworld. He allowed the souls of the dead to enter Hades but prevented the living (except for a few exceptions) from entering...
Definition
Pluto
Pluto is the god of the Underworld in Roman mythology. His Greek counterpart was Hades. Pluto chose never to sit on Olympus with the other gods and goddesses, preferring to remain in the Underworld. Family Pluto (Hades) was the son...