![Orpheus standing at the entrance of the underworld with his harp]
Long, long ago, in the land of Greece, there was a very famous musician named Orpheus. His harp - playing skills were so superb that the music he played seemed to possess a magical power, capable of touching the hearts of all things in the world.
Orpheus had a beloved wife, Eurydice. They lived a very happy life. However, fate played a cruel joke on them. One day, while Eurydice was strolling in the grass, she was accidentally bitten on the ankle by a poisonous snake and soon passed away.
Orpheus was heart - broken. He couldn't accept the fact of losing his lover. So, he decided to take his harp and go to the underworld ruled by Hades to bring Eurydice back. All along the way, he played the harp, and the melodious and sad music echoed throughout the journey.
![Orpheus playing the harp in front of Hades]
When he came before Hades, Hades was moved by his music. The music was full of Orpheus' deep longing and endless love for Eurydice. Hades had never heard such moving music. Hades agreed to let Orpheus take Eurydice back to the human world, but on one condition: on the way out of the underworld, Orpheus must not look back at Eurydice until they had completely left the underworld.
Orpheus was overjoyed. He took Eurydice's soul and began the journey back to the human world. All the way, he held Eurydice's hand tightly, feeling her presence, while playing the harp, letting the hopeful music lead them forward.
![Orpheus couldn't resist looking back]
But at the very last moment before they were about to leave the underworld, suddenly, Orpheus was filled with worry and unease. He was so eager to see if Eurydice was really following him. He couldn't resist looking back. In that instant, Eurydice's soul disappeared like a wisp of light smoke and was left in the underworld forever.
Orpheus was full of remorse. This one glance made him lose his lover forever. Since then, he could only spend the rest of his life in endless longing and pain. But his story has been passed down forever in the land of Greece. People are moved by his love and also feel sorry for his rashness.
