Half-Olympian son of Calliope (Muse of epic poetry) by the mortal Thracian king Oeagrus. Music capable of moving stones, taming beasts, charming Hades and Persephone — the foundational image of music's transcendent power. Sailed with the Argonauts; his music drowned out the Sirens. After Eurydice's death from snakebite, descended to Hades; Persephone permitted her return on condition Orpheus not look back. He looked. Lost her forever. Torn to pieces by Thracian Maenads; head and lyre floated down the Hebrus to Lesbos still singing. Founder-figure of the Orphic Mysteries. The Orphic gold-leaf tablets (5th-3rd c. BCE, found at Olbia, Hipponion, Pelinna, Petelia, Thurii) contain afterlife instructions for initiates.