Orpheus
Orpheus (noun) means a legendary Greek musician whose songs were said to charm even rocks and rivers, famous for trying and failing to bring his wife back from the dead. Example: “The opera retells the myth of Orpheus descending into the underworld.”
How to use Orpheus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mythical musician whose story is often invoked as a symbol of art's power and the tragedy of loss.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The opera retells the myth of _____ descending into the underworld.
Etymology
From Greek Orpheus, a name of uncertain origin possibly related to orphanós, "orphan."