Lyra, meaning lyre in Latin, is strongly associated with the Greek myth of Orpheus, the gifted musician. His lyre was crafted by Hermes from a tortoise shell and given to Orpheus as a symbol of divine artistry.
The music Orpheus created was so powerful that it could bewitch nature, charm the gods, and even save the Argonauts from the deadly songs of the Sirens during their voyage.
Tragedy struck when his wife Eurydice was bitten by a serpent and died. In his grief, Orpheus descended into the Underworld, playing his lyre to soften the hearts of Hades and Persephone. Moved by his devotion, they allowed Eurydice to return to life—on one condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until both had reached the world above. But overcome by love and doubt, he turned too soon, and Eurydice vanished forever.
Zeus, touched by their story, placed Orpheus’ lyre among the stars to honour the power of love, loss, and music.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Lyra represents a lyre, it would make the perfect gift for a musician or music lover.
Lyra, meaning lyre in Latin, is strongly associated with the Greek myth of Orpheus, the gifted musician. His lyre was crafted by Hermes from a tortoise shell and given to Orpheus as a symbol of divine artistry.
The music Orpheus created was so powerful that it could bewitch nature, charm the gods, and even save the Argonauts from the deadly songs of the Sirens during their voyage.
Tragedy struck when his wife Eurydice was bitten by a serpent and died. In his grief, Orpheus descended into the Underworld, playing his lyre to soften the hearts of Hades and Persephone. Moved by his devotion, they allowed Eurydice to return to life—on one condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until both had reached the world above. But overcome by love and doubt, he turned too soon, and Eurydice vanished forever.
Zeus, touched by their story, placed Orpheus’ lyre among the stars to honour the power of love, loss, and music.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Lyra represents a lyre, it would make the perfect gift for a musician or music lover.
