“FISHES LEAPT OUT FROM THE BLUE WATER BECAUSE OF HIS SWEET MUSIC”. MUSIC, POETRY AND SOUL IN ORPHEUS’ MYTH

Abstract

“Fishes leapt out from the blue water because of his sweet music”. Music, poetry and soul in Orpheus’ myth. Through the analysis of different sources, this paper highlights the main events in Orpheus’ myth: the heroes’ birth, the power of his singing on plants and animals, the teaching of Dionysus’ mysteries, the descent into the Hades and his death. These elements are now analysed in light of the power of poetry and music on human soul. This deep meaning of Orpheus’ myth explains its lasting presence in ancient Greek culture.