Eurydice and Orpheus were young and in love. So deep was their love, that they were inseparable. One day Eurydice was running through a meadow with Orpheus, when she was bitten by a serpent. The poison of the sting killed her and she descended into Hades.

Orpheus was the son of Apollo, god of music, and Orpheus too was blessed with musical talents. Orpheus was so devastated by the loss of Eurydice that he composed music to express his sadness and emptiness. He was so desperate, that he decided to plead to Hades for her return. Many had approached Hades for the return of their loved ones, and as many times were refused. But Orpheus' music was so moving that Hades granted his wish to return Eurydice to the surface of the earth on one condition- Orpheus was not to look back as they ascended-he was to trust that Eurydice was behind him. Just as Orpheus had almost reached the top he looked back to make sure Eurydice was behind him. At that moment she was pulled back into Hades because he did not trust that she was there.

- Encyclopedia Mythica

Pose reference courtesy of lockstock.deviantart.com

I chose this particular myth/character primarily because after reading the story of Orpheus and Eurydice I was moved by the tale of lost love, devas tation, and heroism ( albeit flawed heroism ) of Orpheus to bring his love back to his side. Those themes are the stuff of great art.