Orpheus

Orpheus in Great Hall, TS Headquarters, Adyar

Orpheus is a legendary musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek religion. According to Theosophical Society founder H. P. Blavatsky,

Esoteric tradition identifies him with Arjuna, the son of Indra and the disciple of Krishna. He went round the world teaching the nations wisdom and sciences, and establishing mysteries. The very story of his losing his Eurydice and finding her in the underworld or Hades, is another point of resemblance with the story of Arjuna, who goes to Pâtâla (Hades or hell, but in reality the Antipodes or America) and finds there and marries Ulupi, the daughter of the Nâga king. This is as suggestive as the fact that he was considered dark in complexion even by the Greeks, who were never very fair-skinned themselves.

The Great Hall of the Headquarters Building of the Theosophical Society has representations of the great religions and spiritual figures executed in relief on the walls. Orpheus is presented there with his caduceus.

Additional resources

Articles

• Orpheus in Theosophy World

Websites

• Resources on Orpheus at Universal Theosophy