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Article: Eurydice
- Article from:
- Myths and Legends of the World
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Macmillan Reference, USA. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Eurydice
In Greek mythology Eurydice was a dryad, or tree
nymph,
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 Apollo
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. 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
underworld
and bring her back.
nymph
minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful
underworld
land of the dead
Orpheus gained entrance to the underworld by charming its guardians with his singing and playing of ...