Was Orpheus Raised by Hermes?

Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet of Greek mythology, has often been linked to the god Hermes. The question that arises is whether Orpheus was actually raised by Hermes or not. Let’s explore this topic in detail.

The Myth of Orpheus

Orpheus was the son of Apollo and the muse Calliope. He was gifted with incredible musical talent and possessed a voice that could enchant anyone who heard it. His music was so powerful that it could even charm wild animals and make trees dance.

The most famous myth associated with Orpheus is his journey to the underworld to bring back his wife Eurydice from the dead. He played his lyre and sang so beautifully that Hades, king of the underworld, agreed to let Eurydice go on one condition – Orpheus must not look back at her until they both reached the world above. Unfortunately, he couldn’t resist and turned back, losing his beloved forever.

Orpheus and Hermes

It is believed that Orpheus was raised by Hermes, the messenger god. According to some versions of the myth, Hermes found baby Orpheus abandoned in a forest and took him under his wing. He taught him how to play the lyre and sing, which later became Orpheus’ signature skills.

There are many reasons why people associate Orpheus with Hermes. Both were known for their musical abilities and their ability to traverse different realms – Hermes as a messenger of gods who could travel between heaven, earth, and underworld; while Orpheus ventured into the underworld in search of Eurydice.

Is there any evidence?

While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, many scholars believe that there might be some truth behind it. The ancient Greeks often associated gods with specific skills or traits; therefore it wouldn’t be surprising if Orpheus, a musician, was linked to Hermes, the god of music and communication.

Additionally, many ancient writers have mentioned Orpheus and Hermes together in their works. For instance, in one of his plays, the Greek playwright Aeschylus calls Orpheus “the son of Hermes.” Similarly, the Roman poet Virgil refers to Hermes as “Orpheus’ father” in his epic poem ‘The Georgics.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no concrete proof that Orpheus was raised by Hermes, it is highly likely that there might be some truth behind this claim. Regardless of whether it is true or not, it’s clear that Orpheus and Hermes were closely associated with each other in Greek mythology. The story of Orpheus continues to inspire artists and musicians even today due to his legendary musical talent and tragic love story with Eurydice.