If you’re a fan of musical theater, chances are you’ve heard of Hadestown. This Tony Award-winning show, written by Anaïs Mitchell, retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a modern, bluesy setting. With its catchy tunes, powerful performances, and rich storytelling, Hadestown has become a beloved favorite among audiences around the world.
But it’s not just the music and the story that make Hadestown so memorable. The show is also filled with poignant, thought-provoking quotes that stick with you long after the curtains close. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most memorable quotes from Hadestown and explore what they mean in the context of the show’s themes and messages.
Read More: Marshall Williams Manning: The Future of Football?
Hades and Persephone: The Power Dynamics of Love
One of the most striking aspects of Hadestown is its portrayal of the relationship between Hades and Persephone, the king and queen of the underworld. While Hades is often portrayed as a villain in Greek mythology, in Hadestown, he is a complex and nuanced character, struggling to balance his love for Persephone with his responsibilities as a ruler.
- “Why do we build the wall, my children, my children? / Why do we build the wall? / We build the wall to keep us free.” – Hades
This haunting refrain, sung by Hades in the opening number of the show, sets the stage for the themes of power and oppression that run throughout the story. The wall that Hades builds around the underworld is meant to protect his kingdom from outside threats, but it also serves as a symbol of his desire to control and dominate his subjects.
- “Love is not a thing we borrow / Love is not a thing we steal / Love is just a song we sing / Fear’s the way we die.” – Persephone
In contrast to Hades’ desire for power and control, Persephone represents the power of love and connection. This quote, sung by Persephone in the song “Livin’ it Up on Top,” highlights the importance of genuine, reciprocal love in a world that is often ruled by fear and mistrust.
Orpheus and Eurydice: The Power of Music and Hope
The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is at the heart of Hadestown, and it is the music of Orpheus that ultimately serves as the catalyst for their redemption. Through his songs and his unshakable belief in the power of love, Orpheus is able to convince Hades to let Eurydice go free. But the journey is not without its challenges, and along the way, Orpheus learns some valuable lessons about the nature of hope and despair.
- “Some birds sing when the sun shines bright / Our praise is not for them but the ones who sing in the dead of night.” – Orpheus
This quote, sung by Orpheus in the song “Wait for Me,” is a testament to the power of music to bring light to even the darkest of places. Orpheus’ songs are not just beautiful melodies; they are also a source of hope and inspiration for those who are struggling to find their way.
- “Why do we build the wall, my children, my children? / Why do we build the wall? / We build the wall to keep us out.” – Eurydice
In the song “Our Lady of the Underground,” Eurydice expresses her frustration with the wall that separates her from Orpheus and the world above.
- “You can’t hold a woman who’s got a song.” – Hermes
This quote, sung by Hermes in the song “Road to Hell (Reprise),” speaks to the power of music to liberate and empower those who are oppressed. In the context of the show, it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
- “The world keeps spinning around and around / And my heart’s keeping time to the speed of the sound / I was lost ’til the moment I found / This is what I was meant to do.” – Orpheus
In the song “Way Down Hadestown,” Orpheus reflects on his journey and the importance of following his heart. This quote is a testament to the idea that everyone has a unique purpose in life, and that it is up to us to find it and pursue it.
- “You’ve got to move on, my darling / ‘Cause I ain’t gonna linger here.” – Persephone
In the song “Flowers,” Persephone encourages Eurydice to move on from her past and embrace the present moment. This quote speaks to the idea that sometimes, in order to grow and heal, we have to let go of the things that are holding us back.
- “It’s a sad song, but we sing it anyway.” – Orpheus
In the song “Epic III,” Orpheus reflects on the bittersweet nature of life and the power of music to give voice to our deepest emotions. This quote is a reminder that even in the midst of pain and sorrow, there is beauty to be found in the human experience.
FAQs about Hadestown Quotes
Q: What is Hadestown?
A: Hadestown is a musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Anaïs Mitchell. It is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in an American Depression-era New Orleans. The show tells the story of Orpheus, a young musician who travels to the underworld to rescue his wife Eurydice from the god of the underworld, Hades.
Q: What is Hadestown about?
A: Hadestown is a story about love, loss, and hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found. The show explores themes of social justice, economic inequality, and the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
Q: Why are these quotes so inspirational?
These quotes are inspirational because they remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. They also remind us of the power of love, music, and community to overcome all obstacles.
Q: How can I apply these quotes to my own life?
Here are a few ways that you can apply the inspirational quotes from Hadestown to your own life:
- When you are feeling lost or hopeless, remember the quote “If it’s true, I’ll come for you.” This quote reminds us that there is always someone who loves us and will come for us when we need them.
- When you are facing a challenge, remember the quote “When it comes to love, you have to go where it takes you.” This quote reminds us to follow our hearts and to never give up on our dreams.
- When you are feeling down, remember the quote “I’ll walk beside you, love; any way the wind blows.” This quote reminds us that we are never alone and that there are always people who care about us.
- When you are feeling afraid, remember the quote “No, I won’t be afraid. I’ll keep on singing.” This quote reminds us to never give up on ourselves and to keep fighting for what we believe in.
- When you are feeling discouraged, remember the quote “What we’re building here is a song that will never die.” This quote reminds us that the work we do is important and that it will have a lasting impact.
- When you are feeling lost or alone, remember the quote “We’ll keep coming back, you and me. We’ll keep coming back.” This quote reminds us that we are all connected and that we will always have each other.
I hope these quotes inspire you to live your best life and to never give up on your dreams.