Scholars know Greek mythology as a collection of tales concerning deities and heroes alike, specifically detailing the interactions between humans and gods, and the interactions of the gods themselves . Supernatural phenomena at the hands of the gods became the human explanation for natural events, such as lightning, changing seasons, etc. While some literary critics and historians see the role of humans in Greek mythology as that of mere pawns in the gods. ', there are still others who uphold the importance of humanity in the myths, giving them more dignity and their roles more purpose. Humans were often used as a check or foil to the power and might of the gods. Those familiar with the myth of Orpheus, for example, might wonder whether he was simply an adjunct, simply a tool used by the gods, constructed simply to show the power of the gods and death, the foolishness of man, or whether his paradigm was intended to glorify his species. To come to a conclusion regarding this question, an examination of Orpheus' life, history, and role must be made. The story of Orpheus has been told throughout history, and the critical views and opinions of subsequent generations have changed over the centuries regarding his presence as a figure in Greek mythology. Intellectuals call Orpheus the son of the muse Calliope, patroness of epic poetry and fluidity (Lindemans 1997). His authorship is often disputed, usually his father is described as Apollo, god of music and light (Leadbetter 1997), or Oeagrus, a king of Thrace (James 1997). Like some other humans in Greek mythology, Orpheus' gods were invested with supernatural powers. Praised as the greatest musician of ancient Greece, Orpheus is said to have enchanted the rocks and...... middle of paper ......p://www.pantheon.org/articles/o/ orpheus.html >.Leadbetter, Ron. "Apollo." Encyclopedia Mythica, March 3, 1997. Encyclopedia Mythica online. Network. 09 April 2011. .Lindemans, Micha F. "Calliope." Encyclopedia Mythica, March 3, 1997. Encyclopedia Mythica Online.Web. 09 April 2011. .Ovid. Metamorphosis. 17. England: Penguin Books Ltd., 2004. 382-388. Print.Podd, Juliana. "Eurydice." Encyclopedia Mythica, March 3, 1997. Encyclopedia Mythica online. Network. April 10, 2011. .Pozner, Walter. "Orpheus descending: love in dizziness." Literature Film Quarterly 17.1 (1989): 59-65. MLA international bibliography. EBSCO. Network. 13 April 2011Radice, B. Who's who in the ancient world. England: Penguin Books Ltd., 1973. 179-180. Press.