First, I’d like to begin with a disclaimer. This article isn’t to say that there is any fault with the plot of “Hadestown,” or with the music. However, there is a fault with the storyline presented to us. Of course, this is another example of a writer taking creative license with their work-- a creative license that I greatly enjoyed. This is simply an article to inform fellow fans of the differences that make “Hadestown” a masterful piece of art.
The Involvement of the Messenger
Hermes. The messenger of the gods, the protector of thieves, and the owner of the best damn sandals in Greek mythology. In Hadestown, this trickster helped the somewhat lost Orpheus, who needed guidance with every step of his journey. He took the hand of Orpheus, metaphorically, and led him to his future wife. A storyteller, a mentor, perhaps even a friend. Hermes would tell the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice for years to come-- for centuries.
In the myth, however? Hermes was more similar to a swimsuit in the Sahara desert-- not very relevant whatsoever. Well, the god would always be a strong presence in terms of mythology, but he does not play a role in their story. As he did on his return from the Underworld, Orpheus walked his journey alone.
The Wall
In the musical, Hades used the labor of the dead to build a wall around everything that he dug from the Earth. His workers were lifeless, joyless beings that existed only for the will of Hades. Hades even gave a speech about how the wall would keep the inhabitants of the Underworld by keeping out poverty. Later, in the musical, Eurydice and Orpheus brought up the spirits of the workers with song, bringing life back when there was no hope.
Surprising as it may seem, there was no wall involved in the original myth. It also wasn’t inserted as a reference to the current politics in America. It was simply an inserted detail that helped support the musical and the story of the two lovers.
The Unhappy Lovers
In the musical, Persephone was a drunkard, drinking to forget the pain of being locked below with Hades, who was trying to replace their lack of love with riches and wealth. He offered jewels and power grids, but Persephone’s growing misery only became more apparent with every word they exchanged. As a result of the rejection, Hades sought out a replacement and found one in Eurydice, who was struggling to cling to life as her husband hunted for a melody and lyrics for a song that never seemed like it would be finished.
While the happiness in the relationship between Hades and Persephone may differ from storyteller to storyteller, it was never a factor in Eurydice’s descent to the Underworld in Greek mythology. Eurydice came to the Underworld on her own terms, and while the love igniting between Hades and Persephone made for a tear-worthy plot, it was not a part of the original myth.
The Hunger
Orpheus and Eurydice barely had a penny to their names. While Orpheus continued to try to write his song alone, Eurydice foraged for food and shelter as the winter approached. Though her love fueled her faith in her husband, it would not save her from the powerful storm she was caught in while searching for food. Orpheus’s ears were deaf to her cries to him as he continued to write his song, and the only one who saw her was Hades. He offered her a ticket to the Underworld, and internally torn to pieces from the storm and the offer, Eurydice accepted.
In the myth, it was a much less complex decision-- in fact, it wasn’t a decision for her at all. She was chased by Aristaeus, a minor god, and tried to escape him. Instead, she stepped on a snake, was bitten, and died. The rest of the story, though -- Orpheus’s journey to retrieve her and failing -- was, for the most part, true to the myth.
In the end, the core of the myth is the same. Eurydice and Orpheus, a couple madly in love, separately descend to the Underworld, and only one returns. This may not be the most traditional retelling of the myth that a person may expect, but it’s a beautiful one. It’s a beautiful song that carries the pain and tragedy in its melody. And, as Hermes somberly states, it’s a sad song that will be sung over and over again for years and years to come.
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