Orpheus and Eurydice

There have been lots of conversations surrounding Hadestown and, more precisely, Orpheus and Eurydice's relationship on the internet lately. Starting with a tiktok trend of people's partners walking in front of them, not turning back, in order to prove a point. It seems that they believe not turning back is a proof of love. "Look. I'd guide you out. We'd come back to the land of the livings together. I'd save you." That's the main understanding of the trend. It pisses off plenty of people. It pisses me off a little bit. But it's also not that deep.

I can't help but disagree with the general consensus. Orpheus doesn't turn because he's selfish or doubting her or even doubting himself. He doesn't turn because he thinks Eurydice stopped following him. In one version, he turns because he heard her trip and simply can't help himself but turn so he can catch her. In another, he steps outside and, overflowed with joy, forgetting anything else, he turns back. Because he only wants to share his happiness with her. Alas, Eurydice is still inside. And one could imagine plenty more of scenarios where turning back is an act of love. Of pure and tender affection. Orpheus turns because he's afraid of forgetting his wife's beautiful face. Orpheus turns because he can't hear her voice anymore and he can't bear living without it. Orpheus turns because he'd like to share something with her. He's a patient man but he's also deeply, desperately in love.

Of course, there are other versions, ones where Orpheus believes he's been tricked and turn to check, thus losing her. But my favourite are the ones where he turns because he just loves her so much. He can't wait. He misses her. They spent so much time apart, he can't fathom the idea of spending one more minute away from her. I saw someone say that all of these versions are rooted in their eras, how we yearn for love or look for something else. Some want this tale to be empowering for Eurydice and sees Orpheus more as a villain than a hero. Others finds it more realistic that he turns because of his insecurities. Nowadays, heroes are more flawed and imperfect and Orpheus turning because he's scared works better than turning because of love. 

But to me, no matter what happens, Orpheus turns back for love. 

Grace Hodgett Young and Dónal Finn, the West End cast of Eurydice and Orpheus from Hadestown.

We can always wonder if Eurydice loves him too, obviously. As I said, some people would like this story to be more of a feminist tale than it is. She doesn't need to be saved. Is she mad at him for turning or does she feels forgiveness? What if she wanted to leave on her own accord but has been trapped by these men's games? What if she's only a collateral damage of Orpheus' ego, his weakness and insecurities? It can be an interesting take on the myth but I think her being a strong woman and him coming down to save her can and should coexist. I think she loves him just as much as he loves her. She hasn't been send in the Underworld because of him but he still went all this way just to get the chance of save her. Because he couldn't imagine a world where she's not with him. She could've stayed there and never even tried to get out but she followed him. Eurydice trusted him enough to follow him blindly. She put her hopes on him, knowing there was a chance for him to fail. She's brave enough to leave her fate in the hands of a man. A man she loves. And I think, if the roles were switched, she'd do the same. She'd go all the way down to the Underground, she'd argue with Hades and guide Orpheus on the surface. But she'd probably turn, too. For all the same reasons. You can't fight destiny. You can't fight the Fates. 

Orpheus turns back for love and Eurydice welcomes him with a smile. 

Eurydice from the game Hades.

It doesn't mean she can't be mad at him afterwards, and I also like those interpretations. Like in the game Hades, where Eurydice isn't really pissed at him but rather too proud to admit that she misses him. She didn't ask him to be rescued but he tried anyway and, now, they can't be together anymore. But even in this story, she still loves him. And I don't think there's a single tale where Eurydice doesn't love Orpheus. They were husband and wife! It has to count! It has to mean something! 

That's why I love Hadestown so freaking much. Because every single performance can be seen as a new attempt of winning against the Fates and their destiny. This tale will be told a million times throughout the ages and there isn't a single time where people won't hope that it's the one, this time they'll get out. This time Orpheus won't turn. But he always look back. Because he loves her. 

Eva Noblezada in her finale performance as Eurydice on Broadway, finally getting out.

ORPHEUS

It's you. . .

EURYDICE

It's me. . .

        Orpheus. . .

[Against her will, EURYDICE descends back into

the underworld. Forever. ORPHEUS, frozen, stares

at the spot EURYDICE last stood.]

ORPHEUS

Eurydice. . .