The Mythology That Inspired Hadestown
By Gwen O’Connor
Though Hadestown takes a slightly-modernized twist on popular Greek Mythology and incorporates some background on the myths behind the major characters, it can be confusing at times understanding why certain “normal” things in the show take place (such as Persephone coming home to celebrate spring). It can be extremely complicated and confusing to interpret these ancient myths into what’s become the popularized version seen in Hadestown. Unlike other shows with somewhat confusing plotlines, such as Les Miserables, there is no excerpt in the program to provide a brief summarization of the characters about to take the stage, so here is some clarification behind the Greek characters in Hadestown, including Orpheus & Eurydice, Hades & Persephone, and some other supporting characters.
Hadestown is narrated by Hermes, the son of Zeus and the messenger to the gods. In the show, Hermes has taken Orpheus under his wing as his foster-father, which is not credited to be an authentic part of either Hermes’ or Orpheus’ myths. Hermes is believed to have created the first lyre, the instrument Orpheus plays repeatedly throughout the show, and taught himself how to play it. Knowing Hermes is the messenger of the gods may help audiences understand why Hades tells Hermes information that Hermes then relays to Orpheus & Eurydice in Act 2.
Orpheus is the main hero of Hadestown, and is a legendary hero with the magical skills pertaining to music. He is believed to be the son of a Muse (the goddesses of the arts and sciences). In Hadestown, he is a poor waiter who falls in love with Eurydice and creates a song that will help bring spring and warmth to their cold land since Persephone has been living in the Underworld. Eurydice is one of the daughters of Apollo and is a nymph (which is basically another word for goddess, though not immortal). According to mythology, Eurydice was pursued by Aristaeus (a minor god) after she married Orpheus. While avoiding Aristaeus, Eurydice stepped on a snake and was killed. Orpheus is devastated when he hears the news (from Hermes) and travels to the Underworld to bring her back to the land of the living. He strikes a deal with Hades that if they both could travel out of the Underworld with Eurydice behind Orpheus, and he never turned around to check if she was there, they were both free. If he turned around, Eurydice would have to go back to the Underworld with Hades for eternity. This myth is the major storyline in Act 2.
Hades is the king of the Underworld and is in love with Persephone, his wife. Hades fell in love with Persephone when he saw her picking flowers and then asked his brother Zeus to concoct a plan to trap her in the Underworld. Persephone is the daughter of Demeter (the goddess of grain and agriculture) and is associated with vegetation and flora. When Demeter hears of Persephone’s capture, she creates a great drought to convince the gods to release her from Hades. Zeus sends Hermes to persuade Hades to release her, which he does, on the condition that she can live on earth for 8 months of the year so long as she lives with him in the Underworld for the other four months. Over time, Persephone falls in love with Hades and they live somewhat happily together the four months they live together. This myth is associated with the seasons, especially the coming of spring and winter, which would resemble Persephone’s return and departure from earth respectively. While Hadestown provides some context pertaining to their relationship, it can still come off as odd as to why their relationship seems so strange and tense.
Throughout Hadestown, there are three female figures dressed in all gray that seem to represent different things (the wind, the storm, emotional turmoil, temptation). These would be the Fates, who are goddesses that assign the destinities of mortals. They are believed to cut strings associated with individuals when those individuals are supposed to die. These characters persuade Orpheus and Eurydice to make decisions that lead to the major events in Act 2 and are responsible for the decisions made by them.
Even going in with general interpretations of Greek mythology, Hadestown can be very confusing, especially with an unclear timeline in Act 1. Though there is incredible detail and stories that are missing from the information above, these brief explanations will help ease the confusion and lead to a more enjoyable experience upon seeing the phenomenal spectacle that is Hadestown. This show should not be overlooked or dismissed simply because some of the storytelling may stray from the typical musical. Hadestown does pose a modernized version of these myths without complicated language, and does a great job at providing what’s necessary, but a little more research never hurt anyone.
(From left to right: Eurydice, Hermes, Orpheus)
(From left to right: Hades, Persephone)
