The Sandmanbrings one of Greek mythology’s most beloved tragedies to screen, but adds its own twist to the classic tale, fit for the dark fantasy universe. Netflix’s adaptation of the influential DC Comics series followsDream (Tom Sturridge), a member of the mysterious Endless, beings who are personifications of core concepts of the universe.
Dream’s arc in thefirst volume ofThe Sandmanseason 2has already brought him into contact with many new figures from across the many realms. After repairing the extensive damage his imprisonment caused in season 1,the sophomore and final installment sees Dream embark on a journey to right one of his worst deeds by freeing Nada(Umulisa Nahiga).
Alongside an introduction to new members of the Endless family with Delirium(Esme Creed-Miles) and Destiny (Adrian Lester), Dream is visited by various mythological figures, including the Norse Gods Odin, Loki, and Thor (Clive Russell, Freddie Fox, and Laurence O’Fuarain, respectively). However, Dream’s much closer relationship with a certain key mythology is also explored.
The Sandman Season 2 Changes The Classic Greek Myth Of Orpheus & Eurydice’s
The Two Lovers Are Iconic Parts Of Greek Mythology
The Sandmanseason 2’s castfeatures Orpheus (Ruairi O’Connor), the Thracian bard and poet who traveled aboard the Argo and became the lover of Eurydice. Like in the myth, the show sees their romance come to a tragic end whenEurydice (Ella Rumpf) treads on a Viper, causing it to bite her and infect her with a poison that takes her life.
Within the world of The Sandman, Orpheus is the child of Dream.
Amid heartache and grief, Orpheus' love persists and inspires him to dive into the Underworld itself, hoping that he can convince the gods to return Eurydice to him. Using his musical talents, Orpheus sways the hearts of the Greek God of Death, Hades (Garry Cooper), and his wife, Persephone (Antonia Desplat), who allow him to return to the mortal realm with Eurydice.
However, Orpheus is given the condition that he must lead the way, and can not look back on her until they are both beyond the threshold of the Underworld. In a moment of poor judgment,Orpheus looks back at his wife in eagerness before she can safely step into the mortal realm, banishing her to the Underworld for good.
What Happens To Orpheus In The Sandman’s Retelling Of The Greek Myth
Orpheus Is One Of Dream’s Great Shames
Within the world ofThe Sandman, Orpheus is the child of Dream.Despite his connection to the Endless, Oprheus' life progresses mostly as normal for a mortal,leading up to his fateful venture into the Underworld to save Eurydice. For this, he enlists the help of his aunt, Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who bestows him with immortality to survive the journey.
When Orpheus makes the fateful error of looking back, however, his life takes a far darker turn.Orpheus is decapitated after his attempt to rescue Eurydice, but as he still possesses his aunt’s boon of immortality, he lives on in this state,leaving him trapped for centuries.
During the era of the French Revolution, Dreamrecruits Johanna Constantine (Jenna Coleman) to rescue his son from imprisonment. Ultimately, in the present-day timeline, Dream chooses to finally end his child’s life to bring him to peace, though this breaks the ancient laws of the Endless, concludingThe Sandmanseason 2, volume 1, on a cliffhanger.
