Orpheus (Greek: Ὀρφεύς; pronounced /ˈɔrfiəs/ or /ˈɔrfjuːs/ in English) is a legendary figure, probably of Thracian origin,^[1][2] venerated by the Greeks and Thracians^[3] of the Classical age as Apollo's son, a chief among poets and musicians, and the perfector of the lyre invented by Hermes. Poets like Simonides of Ceos said that, with his music and singing, he could charm birds, fish and wild beasts, coax the trees and rocks into dance,^[4] and even divert the course of rivers. He was one of the handful of Greek heroes^[5] to visit the Underworld and return; even in Hades his song and lyre did not lose their power.

As one of the pioneers of civilization, he is said at various times to have taught humanity the arts of medicine, writing (in one unusual instance,^[6] where he substitutes for the usual candidate, Cadmus) and agriculture, where he assumes the Eleusinian role of Triptolemus. More consistently and more closely connected with religious life, Orpheus was an augur and seer; practised magical arts, especially astrology; founded or rendered accessible many important cults, such as those of Apollo and the Greek god Dionysus;^[7] instituted mystic rites both public and private; and prescribed initiatory and purificatory rituals, which his community of followers treasured in Orphic texts. In addition, Pindar and Apollonius of Rhodes^[8] place Orpheus as the harpist and companion of Jason and the Argonauts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orpheus