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In Greek mythology Eurydice was a dryad, or tree nymph,minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful who became the bride of Orpheus, a legendary hero known for his musical skills. While walking in the countryside one day soon after their wedding, Eurydice met Aristaeus, the son of the god ApolloGreek god of the sun, the arts, medicine, and herdsmen; son of Zeus and Leto and twin brother of Artemis. Aristaeus tried to seize her. Eurydice fled but was bitten by a poisonous snake and died. Overcome with grief at his wife's death, Orpheus decided to go to the underworldland of the dead and bring her back.

Orpheus gained entrance to the underworld by charming its guardians with his singing and playing of the lyre. The beauty of...