Orpheus

Orpheus, the son of Calliope, the muse of epics, was a wonderful musician who sang joyful music. On his wedding day, Euridice, his bride died of a poisonous snake bite. All joy went out of Orpheus's life. He no longer sang of happiness, but of his sorrow. His music moved animals and even rocks, so why couldn't it move the cold heart of Hades? To test the power of his music, Orpheus did what no living man had ever done before: He went down to the underworld begging for his bride back. The iron gates of the underworld opened at his music; Cerberus, the three-headed watchdog, let him pass; the Erinyes dropped their whips; and the underworld became silent. Queen Persephone, touched by the music, sobbed and asked Hades to let Euridice go back to the outer world. Hades agreed, but only if Orpheus did not glance at his bride until they entered the upper world. If he did, Euridice had to return to the underworld.

On the walk back to the outer realm, doubt crept into Orpheus' mind. Had Hades deceived him? When Orpheus could see a dim light ahead, his curiosity go the better of him. He turned around to see if Euridice was really there. He turned around and saw her for an instant, then Hermes arived to take her back. Orpheus had lost her forever. A band of wild nymphs, wanted Orpheus to dance with them. They yelled so loudly that they were not touched by his music. When he refused, they tore him to pieces and threw him into the sea. The Muses found him, and gave him a proper funeral so he could join his beloved Euridice in the underwold.