Orpheus Leading Eurydice Through the Underworld by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot. Myths and Legends * Orpheus and Eurydice Brief description of the myth "Orpheus and Eurydice"
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In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.
For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.
Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.
Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.
Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved.
Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.
No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!
But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.
For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.
Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.
Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:
Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:
Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!
Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. - I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!
The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.
So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld - Hades and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.
With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.
In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.
Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.
Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.
Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.
But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.
Orpheus and EurydiceG. Ryland "Young Orpheus". 1901
Orpheus, in ancient Greek mythology, a hero and traveler. Orpheus was the son of the Thracian river god Eagra and the muse Calliope. He was known as a talented singer and musician. 
J.M. Svan. "Orpheus." 1896
Orpheus took part in the campaign of the Argonauts, with his playing on the forming and prayers, he calmed the waves and helped the rowers of the Argo ship.
The hero married the beautiful Eurydice and, when she suddenly died from a snake bite, followed her into the afterlife. The guardian of the other world, the evil dog Cerberus, Persephone and Hades were enchanted by the magical music of the young man. Hades promised to return Eurydice to earth on the condition that Orpheus did not look at his wife until he entered his house.
Camille Corot, "Orpheus Leading Eurydice from the Realm of the Dead" 
Orpheus could not restrain himself and looked at Eurydice, as a result of which she remained forever in the realm of the dead. 
"Orpheus and Eurydice"
Frederic Leighton, 1864 
George Frederick Watts Orpheus and Eurydice
"Orpheus and Eurydice" by French painter Michel Martin Drolling 1820 
T. Chasserio. Orpheus and Eurydice
Orpheus did not treat Dionysus with due respect, but honored Helios, whom he called Apollo. Dionysus decided to teach the young man a lesson and sent a maenad at him, who tore the musician to pieces and threw him into the river. 
"Death of Orpheus by Maenads"
Emile Levy, 1866
Parts of his body were collected by the Muses, who mourned the death of a beautiful youth.
The head of Orpheus floated down the river Gebr and was found by the nymphs, 
"Nymphs and the Head of Orpheus"
John Waterhouse, 1900 
then she got to the island of Lesbos, where she was received by Apollo. 
"Head of Orpheus." Author - Jean Delville.
The musician's shadow fell into Hades, where the couple were reunited.
The myth of Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice is one of the most famous love myths. No less interesting is this mysterious singer himself, about whom not much reliable information has been preserved. The myth of Orpheus, which we will talk about, is only one of the few legends dedicated to this character. There are also many legends and fairy tales about Orpheus.
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice: a summary
In Thrace, located in northern Greece, lived, according to legend, this great singer. In translation, his name means "healing light." He had a wonderful gift for songs. His fame spread throughout the Greek land. Eurydice, a young beauty, fell in love with him for his beautiful songs and became his wife. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice begins with a description of these happy events.
However, the carefree happiness of the beloved was short-lived. The myth of Orpheus continues with the fact that one day the couple went to the forest. Orpheus sang and played the seven-stringed cithara. Eurydice began to collect flowers growing in the clearings.
The Abduction of Eurydice
Suddenly, the girl felt that someone was running after her through the forest. She was frightened and rushed to Orpheus, throwing flowers. The girl ran across the grass, not making out the road, and suddenly got into a snake wrapped around her leg and stung Eurydice. The girl screamed loudly in fear and pain. She fell onto the grass. Hearing the plaintive cry of his wife, Orpheus hurried to her aid. But he only managed to see how large black wings flickered between the trees. Death took the girl to the underworld. I wonder how the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will continue, isn't it?
Woe to Orpheus
The grief of the great singer was very great. After reading the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, we learn that the young man left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests. In his songs, Orpheus poured out his longing. They had such strength that the trees that came down from their places surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, stones moved closer and closer, and birds left their nests. Everyone listened to how Orpheus yearned for his beloved girl.
Orpheus goes to the realm of the dead
Days passed, but the singer could not console himself in any way. His sadness grew with each passing hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, he decided to go to the underworld of Hades in order to find her. Orpheus was looking for an entrance there for a long time. Finally, he found a stream in the deep cave of Tenara. It flowed into the river Styx, which is underground. Orpheus went down the bed of the stream and reached the banks of the Styx. The kingdom of the dead, which began beyond this river, opened to him. Deep and black were the waters of the Styx. A living being was afraid to step into them.
Hades gives Eurydice
Orpheus went through many trials in this eerie place. Love helped him cope with everything. In the end, Orpheus reached the palace of Hades, the ruler of the underworld. He turned to him with a request to return Eurydice, a girl so young and beloved by him. Hades took pity on the singer and agreed to give him his wife. However, one condition had to be met: it was impossible to look at Eurydice until he brought her to the kingdom of the living. Orpheus made a promise that throughout the journey he would not turn around and look at his beloved. In case of violation of the ban, the singer threatened to lose his wife forever.
Return trip
Orpheus quickly headed for the exit from the underworld. He passed the domain of Hades in the form of a spirit, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. The lovers got into the boat of Charon, who silently carried the spouses to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led to the ground. Orpheus slowly climbed up. The surroundings were quiet and dark. It seemed that no one was following him.
Violation of the ban and its consequences
But ahead it began to lighten, the exit to the ground was already close. And the shorter the distance to the exit, the lighter it became. Finally, it became clear to see everything around. Orpheus's heart tightened with anxiety. He began to doubt whether Eurydice was following him. Forgetting his promise, the singer turned around. For a moment, very close, he saw a beautiful face, a sweet shadow ... The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice tells that this shadow immediately flew away, dissolved in darkness. Orpheus with a desperate cry began to descend the path back. He again came to the banks of the Styx and began to call the ferryman. Orpheus pleaded in vain: no one answered. The singer sat alone for a long time on the banks of the Styx and waited. However, he never waited for anyone. He had to return to earth and continue to live. Forget Eurydice, his only love, he could not. The memory of her lived in his songs and in his heart. Eurydice is the divine soul of Orpheus. He will unite with her only after death.
This ends the myth of Orpheus. We will supplement its summary with an analysis of the main images presented in it.
Image of Orpheus
Orpheus is a mysterious image that is found in general in a number of Greek myths. This is a symbol of a musician who conquers the world with the power of sounds. He is able to move plants, animals and even stones, and also to cause the gods of the underworld (underworld) compassion that is not characteristic of them. The image of Orpheus also symbolizes the overcoming of alienation.
This singer can be regarded as the personification of the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into a cosmos. Thanks to art, a world of harmony and causality, images and forms, that is, the "human world" is created.
Orpheus, unable to keep his love, also became a symbol of human weakness. Because of her, he was unable to cross the fatal threshold and failed in his attempt to return Eurydice. This is a reminder that there is a tragic side to life.
The image of Orpheus is also considered the mythical personification of one secret teaching, according to which the planets move around the Sun, located in the center of the Universe. The source of universal harmony and connection is the power of its attraction. And the rays emanating from it are the reason why particles move in the Universe.
Image of Eurydice
The myth of Orpheus is a legend in which the image of Eurydice is a symbol of oblivion and tacit knowledge. This is the idea of detachment and silent omniscience. In addition, it is correlated with the image of music, in search of which Orpheus is.
The kingdom of Hades and the image of Lyra
The kingdom of Hades, depicted in myth, is the kingdom of the dead, starting far in the west, where the sun plunges into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of winter, darkness, death, night appears. The element of Hades is the earth, again taking its children to itself. However, the sprouts of new life lurk in her bosom.
The image of Lyra is a magical element. With it, Orpheus touches the hearts of both people and gods.
Reflection of myth in literature, painting and music
For the first time this myth is mentioned in the writings of Publius Ovid Nason, the largest "Metamorphoses" - a book that is his main work. In it, Ovid sets out about 250 myths about the transformations of the heroes and gods of ancient Greece.
The myth of Orpheus set forth by this author has attracted poets, composers and artists in all eras and times. Almost all of his subjects are represented in the paintings of Tiepolo, Rubens, Corot and others. Many operas were created based on this plot: "Orpheus" (1607, author - C. Monteverdi), "Orpheus in Hell" (operetta of 1858, written by J. Offenbach), "Orpheus" (1762, author - K.V. Glitch).
As for literature, in Europe in the 20-40s of the 20th century this topic was developed by J. Anouil, R. M. Rilke, P. J. Zhuv, I. Gol, A. Gide and others. At the beginning of the 20th century, the motifs of myth were reflected in Russian poetry in the work of M. Tsvetaeva ("Phaedra") and in the work of O. Mandelstam.
In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks. For the songs fell in love with his beauty ...
In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.
For the songs, the beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived.
Once Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was gathering flowers in the meadows. Imperceptibly, she moved away from her husband, into the wilderness. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she was frightened and, throwing flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, not understanding the road, through the thick grass and in a swift run she stepped into the snake's nest. The snake coiled around her leg and stung. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell on the grass.
Orpheus heard from a distance the plaintive cry of his wife and hurried to her. But he saw how large black wings flashed between the trees - it was Death that carried Eurydice to the underworld.
Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his longing in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees left their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he yearned for his beloved.
Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not be consoled, his sadness grew with every hour.
No, I can't live without Eurydice! he said. - The earth is not sweet to me without it. Let Death take me, even if in the underworld I will be together with my beloved!
But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the realm of the dead himself.
For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underworld and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the banks of the Styx. Beyond this river began the realm of the dead.
Black and deep are the waters of the Styx, and it is terrible for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs, quiet crying behind his back - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, waiting for the crossing to the country from which there is no return to anyone.
Here a boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, sailed for new aliens. Silently moored to the shore Charon, and the shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:
Take me to the other side! But Charon refused:
Only the dead I bring to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!
Have pity! Orpheus pleaded. - I don't want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on the ground alone! I want to see my Eurydice!
The stern carrier pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Under the gloomy vaults of Hades, sad and tender sounds resounded. The cold waves of Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on the oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently carried him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus boldly walked through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.
So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld - Hades and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on a golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him was his beautiful queen Persephone.
With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take life from warriors. Severe judges of the underworld sat aside from the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.
In the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns, Memories were hidden. They had scourges of living snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those who stood before the court.
Orpheus saw many monsters in the realm of the dead: Lamia, who steals small children from their mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.
Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring in a silver horn a sleepy drink that no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into him with his potion.
Hades glared menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around trembled.
But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy lord and sang even more inspirationally: he sang about his love for Eurydice.
Without breathing, Persephone listened to the song, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. Terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his shining sword.
The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:
What are you looking for, singer, in the realm of the dead? Tell me what you want, and I promise you to fulfill your request.
Orpheus said to Hades:
Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes all of us someday and takes us to your kingdom - none of the mortals can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She has lived so little on earth, so little time to rejoice, so little love ... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live a little longer in the world, let her enjoy the sun, the warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the beauty of the spring forests and my love. After all, after all, she will return to you!
Thus spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:
Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life on earth is! Help me get my Eurydice back!
Let it be as you ask! Hades said to Orpheus. - I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright land. But you have to promise...
Whatever you order! Orpheus exclaimed. - I'm ready for anything to see my Eurydice again!
You must not see her until you come out into the light,” said Hades. - Return to earth and know that Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and don't try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!
And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.
Orpheus quickly went to the exit from the realm of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed the country of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently carried them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.
Slowly climbed Mount Orpheus. It was dark and quiet all around, and it was quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating.
"Eurydice! Eurydice!
At last it began to lighten up ahead, the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became in front, and now everything became clearly visible around.
Anxiety squeezed the heart of Orpheus: is Eurydice here? Does he follow him?
Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.
Where are you, Eurydice? Let me take a look at you! For a moment, quite close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment.
Immediately the shadow of Eurydice flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.
Eurydice?!
With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to descend back along the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the carrier. But in vain he prayed and called: no one answered his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat alone on the banks of the Styx and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.
He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.
Orpheus and Eurydice / Ancient Greek myth for children
Artist: G. Kislyakova
Scenario of extracurricular activities for literary reading for grade 4. Myths of Ancient Greece. Orpheus and Eurydice
Matveeva Svetlana Nikolaevna, primary school teacher, secondary school №9, Ulyanovsk.
Description of work: I bring to your attention the scenario of an extracurricular event on literary reading for grade 4 on the topic: “Myths of Ancient Greece. Orpheus and Eurydice. This event included in the cycle "From the list of literature for the summer." Materials from the cycle can be used both in class and in extracurricular activities. The information will be useful for elementary school teachers, after-school educators, educators of children's health camps and sanatoriums. This extracurricular activity is aimed at fourth grade students.
Target: acquaintance of children with the myth of Ancient Greece about Orpheus and Eurydice.
Tasks:
- broaden the horizons of younger students;
- to develop skills of expressive reading;
- learn to analyze and compare myths;
- to develop cognitive interest and creative abilities of children;
- instill a love of reading in general;
- improve the culture of the younger student.
Event progress
Teacher: Guys, let's remember what myths of Ancient Greece we are already familiar with?(Children's answers follow.)
Teacher: In our classes, we will continue to get acquainted with fascinating and instructive stories. We learn new heroes of the myths of Ancient Greece, who accomplished great feats. At the last lesson, we said that the great peoples of the past left us an invaluable heritage. Ancient masters created immortal masterpieces of architecture, sculpture, painting, which even today, after millennia, delight us with their beauty and perfection.
Sample text:
in front of you Capital of Greece - Athens.
It is known from mythology that the name of the goddess of wisdom is Athens- the city received after a dispute between Athens and the lord of the seas Poseidon. Athens was a large and powerful city, one of the cradles of Greek culture. During the period - about 500 BC. e. up to 300 BC e. - The city was an important cultural center.
Athena - goddess of wisdom
The ancient Greeks, for example, painted all kinds of pottery. They painted with the help of fired paints. Works of ceramics, especially carefully designed, they brought as a gift to temples or invested in burial places. Hard-fired, environmentally resistant ceramic vessels and their fragments have come down to us. Thanks to the inscriptions on the vases, the names of many potters and vase painters have been preserved.
Amphora-bilingual vase painter Andokidas. Hercules and Athena (circa 520 BC)
The ancient Greeks were excellent sculptors. They depicted gods and heroes in bas-reliefs. One of the seven wonders of the world - Temple of Artemis. This is always the young goddess of hunting and fertility.
It was to her that the sentimental ancient Greeks erected a huge temple of pure white marble. It was built in the city of Ephesus in the first half of the 6th century BC. e.
Let's go back to Athens. So, Athens had two hills: the Acropolis and Lycabettus. Acropolis- translated from Greek: "upper city" - towering 150 meters above the main city of Greece. Fortifications were built here, where in case of attacks citizens could hide, and the most basic temples were also erected. All ancient Greek cities had acropolises, but the most famous one is This is the Acropolis of Athens.
At the top of the rock of the Acropolis of Athens rises a monumental marble Parthenon temple, dedicated to Athena Parthenos (i.e. Virgo) - the patroness of the city. It was built in 447-438 BC. e. architect Kallikrates according to the project of Iktin and decorated in 438-431 BC. e. under the direction of Phidias. Currently, it is in a dilapidated state, restoration work is underway.
Parthenon- a classical ancient Greek temple - a rectangular building framed by a colonnade. It was built from Pentelian marble. According to the standards of ancient Greek architecture, the number of columns on the side facade is 1 unit more than twice the number of columns on the front side of the building (the Parthenon has 8 and 17). In the center of the temple stood 13-meter statue of Athena Parthenos made of gold and ivory.
Alas, the original statue has not survived to this day. In the museums of the world you can see only copies of the masterpiece of Phidias, recreated according to the descriptions. The Parthenon functioned not only as a temple, it was also used as a treasury, a church, a mosque and a fortress.
Interesting fact: In 1821, the Greeks fought for independence from the Ottoman Empire. In one of the battles, the Greeks laid siege to the Acropolis. When the Turks began to run out of ammunition, they began to open the columns of the Parthenon, remove the lead fasteners from there and cut them into bullets. Upon learning of this, the Greeks themselves sent a batch of lead to the enemy, just to prevent the destruction of the monument.
Currently Acropolis - the symbol of Athens, the main attraction of the city. On the territory of the Acropolis are the remains of majestic temples: Erechtheion, Hekatompidon, Niki Apteros. The most famous temple of the Acropolis is the Parthenon. And the huge bronze statue of Athena in a golden helmet that once stood in it still excites the imagination of people.
New Acropolis Museum. It is located just 300 meters from the Acropolis, but not on a hill. The ultra-modern building of 5 floors with glass floors and an area of 226,000 square meters was built on the site of archaeological excavations and began its work in 2009. Through the glass floor on the ground floor, you can see the remains of the ancient streets. The museum exhibits many ancient sculptures, various exhibits, the total number of which is about 4 thousand units.
Temple of Olympian Zeus- the temple of the main god of Olympus, or Olympeion. It is the largest temple in all of Greece, the construction of which took approximately the 7th century (from the 6th to the 2nd century BC). Located near the Acropolis. The Temple of Zeus is a great monument of Greek history, but it is a pity that it is completely destroyed. Only 14 remaining (out of 104) huge columns, whose height reaches 17 meters, are reminiscent of the former splendor.
Theater of Dionysus. It is an ancient theatrical building located on the slope of the Acropolis. One of the oldest theaters in the world, built in the 5th century BC. The theater was originally wooden, performances were held only 2 times a year. It accommodated exactly half of the inhabitants of Athens - 17 thousand spectators. After reconstruction: the stage and spectator seats in 67 rows became marble. The names and positions of the owners are still visible on them; these were chairs for especially important guests. Performances were held in the open air with natural light, and thanks to excellent acoustics, the words of the actors were clearly audible in the very last rows.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Odeon is a venue for music and singing competitions. It was built in 165 AD on the southern slope of the Acropolis. It has the classical form of an ancient theater with 5,000 seats. The Odeon has survived to our time almost in its original version (there is no multi-colored marble lining and some statues). The Odeon is visited by millions of spectators during the annual Athens Festival (June to September).
Thus, Athens is the true cradle of mankind. Seeing the Acropolis, the temple of Zeus, the theater of Dionysus and other masterpieces of ancient masters, we kind of touched the history of the birth of civilization. The words most accurately fit the majestic buildings of Ancient Greece: "Architecture is frozen music."
(Greek music sounds).
Teacher: And now I suggest you work in groups and complete tasks - put together puzzles and name ancient Greek masterpieces, which you will get. But first, let's remember the rules of working in a group.
(Children's answers and group work follow.)
Teacher: Well done boys! And now I propose to get acquainted with Orpheus and Eurydice. One of the most famous myths the myth of the love of Orpheus and Eurydice.
(The following is a reading of the myth of Ancient Greece "Orpheus and Eurydice".)
Teacher: Guys, did you like the myth? Tell me who are the main characters? Describe them. Why did Eurydice fall in love with Orpheus? Why do you think the happiness of Orpheus and Eurydice was so short-lived? How did Orpheus get into the underworld? Why do you think Orpheus returned to earth alone? In your opinion, what quality of character prevented Orpheus from being happy with his beloved Eurydice? Let's remember the main events of the myth. How do you feel after reading this myth? What seemed especially surprising?
(The following are the children's answers to the teacher's questions.)
Teacher: Ask your questions.
Note: When reading myths to children, be prepared for a lot of questions.
(The teacher answers the children's questions).
Teacher: Orpheus- a mysterious figure in world history. Very little reliable information has come about him, but at the same time there are a lot of myths, fairy tales, and legends. Orpheus lived eleven generations before the Trojan War. He appears at a very difficult time for the history of Greece, when people plunged into a semi-wild state of the basest and rudest manifestations. About 5 thousand years ago, the figure of a man appears, blinding with his physical and spiritual beauty. Orpheus- “healing with light” (“aur” - light, “rfe” - to heal). He is called the "illustrious father of songs", speaking of him as the creator of the lyre, which is also called the harp after his name. Orpheus is a singer and musician. Words from the Orphic hymn: "I will sing for those who understand - close the doors, uninitiated!". He invented music and poetry. Ancient people believed in the almighty, divine power of music. It was believed that Orpheus became famous for the magical gift that he received from his mother, the muse Calliope. He brought the number of strings on the lyre to nine. His playing and singing conquered the elements; when he traveled with the Argonauts, helping out his friends during trials, the waves and the wind humbled themselves, enchanted by his wondrous music. Orpheus is endowed with magical power, which conquered not only people, but also the gods, and even nature itself. The songs of Orpheus tamed wild animals, forced the trees to bow their branches, and the stones to move. Eurydice is a nymph, the wife of Orpheus.
The myth of Eurydice and Orpheus- a perfect example of true sincere love. Orpheus went to great lengths to get his beloved back. He did what no one else could: he managed to pity the harsh ruler of the underworld of Hades. A little was not enough for Orpheus to return his beloved to the kingdom of the living. Moral: you can not return what is lost forever, no matter how much you would like it.
Teacher: And now, guys, I will ask you to complete the task - color Eurydice. We will work individually.
(Individual work with children is carried out).
Teacher: Today it is difficult to imagine world history and culture without Greek temples, without classical examples of sculpture, without painting. Modern science, art, and culture in general have ancient Greek roots. And now I suggest you listen to a fragment of one piece of music.
(The following is a listening to a musical fragment from Gluck's opera "Orpheus and Eurydice")
Teacher: Did you like the piece of music? What are the differences from the myth we read?
(Following the reasoning of the children).
Teacher: Many composers, musicians and poets addressed the plot of the Greek myth.
(View presentation with teacher's comments).
Sample text:
At the end of the 15th century, the legend about the fate of Orpheus and his beloved wife, the beautiful Eurydice, turned out to be interesting for the theatrical stage. In the Italian city of Mantua poet Angelo Poliziano wrote the first dramatic play.
It was about Orpheus that was written and one of the first operas in the world - "Eurydice", performed in 1600 in Florence at the wedding of Marie de Medici and Henry IV. Its authors were poet Ottavio Rinuccini and singer-songwriter Jacopo Peri(1561-1633) nicknamed Long-Haired.
Seven years later, in 1607 Claudio Monteverdi(1567-1643) wrote the opera "Orpheus".
In 1762, the composer K. F. Gluck created another piece of music opera Orpheus and Eurydice. Christoph Willibald Gluck(1714-1787) - Austrian composer. His opera was the first reformist opera, it is considered a masterpiece of the composer and operatic art. Arias, orchestral numbers, scenes are in many ways reminiscent of classical operas of the 19th century.
Composers also turned to the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in later times. In general, this plot was created over 50 operas.
Here are some of them:"Orpheus" by Johann Christian Bach (the youngest son of the great Johann Sebastian Bach), "The Transformed Lyre of Orpheus" by Kreiser and his opera dilogy "Orpheus", "Orpheus and Eurydice" by Fuchs, an unfinished opera by Joseph Haydn, "The Tale of Orpheus" by the Italian Alfredo Casella , "Orpheus and Eurydice" by the Austrian Ernst Krenek, "The Misfortunes of Orpheus" by the Frenchman Darius Milhaud and many others.
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice captivated and Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt(1811-1886). He wrote the programmatic symphonic poem Orpheus. Orpheus for the romantic composer is a symbol of all art, Eurydice is a symbol of an ideal that has sunk in grief and suffering, and Orpheus's lamentation is sorrow for an ideal whose death on earth cannot be prevented even by the great power of art.
The noticeable appearance of Orpheus at the crossroads of the 20th century happened in 1948, When in NYC was delivered ballet "Orpheus" by Russian composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky(1882-1971), who lived abroad since 1914, and recently returned to Moscow.
The modern myth of Orpheus is described in the first national rock opera - "Orpheus and Eurydice"(zong opera in two parts), written by in 1975 by composer Alexander Zhurbin and playwright Yuri Dimitrin.
beautiful singer Anna German performed the song "Dancing Eurydice", and her disc was released under the same name.
